This month it is Living Wage Week. So, what better time to reflect on what it means to us to be an ethical cleaning agency?
At Just Helpers, our values are at the heart of what we do. Our Founder Antoinette started the business to combine her two passions – tackling exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers, and providing a professional cleaning service. The Living Wage is central to this.
From the beginning, Just Helpers has been about “just doing the right thing.” For us, this means:
- Paying the London Living Wage – a good day’s work for a good day’s pay.
- Developing People – we mentor our Helpers to grow their confidence and improve their communication skills.
- Professionalism – All of our Helpers are vetted and go through three hands on cleaning interviews.
- Pride – We reward a job well done with our Helper of the Month and Annual Awards.
- Recognising Potential – Where we can, we promote our Helpers to become managers.
What is the Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage reflects the real cost of living. It is independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation. The Real Living Wage is higher than the government’s National Living Wage, because it is based on real living costs.
It has two rates – a National rate for the whole country, and a London rate to reflect the higher cost of living in the Capital.
Over 5000 businesses in the UK voluntarily pay the Living Wage. These include big names such as Ikea, ITV and Chelsea Football Club. At Just Helpers we are proud to be affiliated to the Living Wage Foundation, because we ensure our Helpers receive the London Living Wage. Last year we were delighted when Antoinette received the Venus Award for Employer of the Year in London. This award recognised the work of the whole team in addressing fair pay and working conditions in the cleaning industry.
“Please make sure you know how much you pay your cleaner,… and if you are going to use an agency, make sure they are ethical. A good day’s work for a good day’s pay – everyone deserves that.” (Antoinette Daniel, Acceptance Speech, Venus Awards 2018)
What does this mean?
Sadly, low pay and poor working conditions are all too common in the cleaning industry. Migrant workers, and particularly women, are vulnerable to this kind of exploitation.
When you arrange your cleaning through Just Helpers, you know that your Helper is being paid fairly for a fair day’s work.
Our cleaner Miglena was absolutely amazing and dealing with the Just Helpers Team was always a breeze. We also loved that this company pay the London Living Wage and really seem to value people.
Plus you have the peace of mind of dealing with a professional business, with a passion for providing you with a high quality, efficient cleaning service.
