REGULAR
Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, discusses how to raise the profile of the cleaning industry.
The pandemic really helped to highlight the important role that the cleaning industry plays in society: keeping spaces clean and hygienic to protect others. Its ‘extraordinary’ role was even commended in parliament, with the government praising the ‘unsung heroes’ who kept us safe during the outbreak.
It was great to see the sector, which had previously been held in low regard, finally being recognised and appreciated. Fast forward to the present day, and it’s hugely disappointing to see the government’s lack of interest in adopting the findings of a recent COVID-19 learnings report.
Entitled ‘Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK’, this vital report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is supported by The British Cleaning Council (BCC), which in turn is backed by 22 trade associations covering the entire sector, as well as The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
It calls for cleaning and hygiene to be made a national priority. If all 11 recommendations were implemented, the UK would be much more resilient to current common infections such as flu, as well as being better prepared for future public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This would, ultimately, save lives.
This lack of interest from the government to take action is drawing widespread criticism. As Jim Melvin, Chairman of the BCC, commented in a statement earlier this spring, it is quite inexplicable that the advice of industry and public health experts is being ignored.
A key frontline service
The ‘practical’ recommendations outline minimum levels of cleaning materials and equipment to be agreed and made available in readiness, and highlight the importance of increased production during a public health emergency. They also advise that the government should support the cleaning and hygiene sector in realigning perceptions of the industry.
For a long time, this is something that Jangro has been advocating for. Despite the important role it plays in society,
26 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
the cleaning industry is poorly received by the general public – and, it seems, the current government. It’s simply not regarded as an aspirational career choice and is considered low skilled, with low remuneration.
The truth is, without our industry, the world would be a more dangerous place, from an increased risk of slips and trips to infections ripping through communities if viruses and bacteria aren’t cleaned effectively. It’s only right that our workforce should be recognised – indeed, celebrated – for their role in keeping the public healthy, happy and safe.
This starts at home. Within the industry, we need to continue fostering an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for the work undertaken by our workforce. In other words, demonstrate that they are valued and invest in them and their career progression.
Paying a fair wage that is enough to live on is the first (and most important) step, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. It’s not only the right thing to do morally but is also good for business. After all, rewarding employees fairly for their hard work and the value they bring to the organisation is vital to maintain a strong, motivated team.
Learning and development is also key. Well-trained employees work efficiently, cost-effectively and to a high standard, so not only will your business achieve great end results, but by investing in their training you’re placing value on the work undertaken. Implementing such steps can help boost morale, productivity and even increase levels of loyalty and retention.
However, we can only do so much from the inside – we need champions on the outside banging the drum too. If the government were to classify cleaning staff as essential workers, this would surely help combat the negative stereotypes and position cleaning staff as the valuable and vital workers they are.
www.jangro.net
twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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