Door handles, kitchens, toilets, desks, keyboards, hospital wards, lifts, bannisters, changing rooms, staff canteens.
The public takes for granted that mundane items and spaces of everyday life that need to be kept clean and sterilised. However more so now than ever before has there been so much awareness by the general public
Had workers of the cleaning industry received praise and recognition for their work prior to the current pandemic? However impossibly compromised they may feel about their current situation, it is time for the unsung hero to stand up and be recognised by the general pubic and more importantly by our government.
Whilst the government temporarily brushed by 4% of the Uk’s workforce, not recognising them to be key workers. It didn’t take long for the BCC (British Cleaning Council) to take note and act swiftly issuing a statement to 10 Downing Street, to explain and justify why cleaning staff workers on the front line alongside medical, care and supermarket staff must be considered as key workers during the current Corona Virus outbreak. Surely it is essential and vital to maintain high hygiene standards within Hospitals, Care Homes, Supermarkets and Schools at all times for the safety and welfare of others, we are in a pandemic here! Of course they need to be considered as key workers!
The UK’s cleaning sector worth almost £50billion a year to the country’s economy and one that employs over 900,000 people will surely come out the other side of the pandemic with the acknowledgment it so rightfully deserves. Cleaning staff wages will surely need reviewing imminently, as people risking their own lives and that of their loved ones for minimum wage doesn’t really cut the mustard!
All said and done our invisible, unsung heroes who always keep us safe without any previous form of recognition should now stand up and be counted by the government. Previously highly ignored, forgotten and described as unskilled workers, now worth their weight in gold! Paul Thrupp, chairman of the BCC said, ”Everyone in the cleaning sector will be thrilled to see that our vital work is being recognised by the country’s leading figures”.
You do not necessarily need any form of qualification to join the cleaning industry, however there is a nationally recognised certificate available to gain vital awareness of chemicals called COSHH (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health). There are also NVQ qualifications available through governing body City & Guilds, from Level 1 (Award in cleaning & support service skills) for people new to the industry right through to, Level 3 (Diploma in cleaning supervisor skills) for the more experienced cleaning personnel.
With an industry doubtful to be overlooked in the future by the government, alongside the UK populations new born awareness for the importance of everyday cleanliness and hygiene within all public areas. Will more people now treat the cleaning industry as a considered career option?
