Why Cleaners Deserve The Living Wage

In the bustling metropolis of London, where the city’s heartbeat never seems to slow down, a group of unsung heroes exits. They work tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of our homes and workplaces. These diligent individuals are the cleaners. The backbone of our society. They often go unnoticed despite their invaluable contributions. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the importance of recognising the efforts of cleaners and why they truly deserve the Real Living Wage, not whatever the current minimum wage.

The Essential Role of Cleaners:

Cleaners play a pivotal role in keeping our living and working spaces safe, healthy, and pleasant to inhabit. They do all sorts of unpleasant tasks from; 

• Cleaning our loos (and all the drips and splatters than entails)
• Scrubbing floors
• Disinfecting surfaces
• Emptying rubbish bins
• Organising clutter

They work diligently to ensure our environments remain tidy, clean and functional. Their contributions not only enhance our overall well-being but also boost productivity and morale in workplaces and contribute to a positive living experience.

Challenging Working Conditions:

Despite the crucial role cleaners play, their job is not without its challenges. Long working hours, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to various cleaning agents can take a toll on their health. Many cleaners work multiple jobs to make ends meet. They often sacrifice their own well-being to support their families. By earning the Real Living Wage, they would have an opportunity to lead a more secure and dignified life.

Addressing Economic Inequality:

The soaring cost of living in London is no secret. Many cleaners face the harsh reality of trying to survive on minimum wages that fall short of meeting basic needs. By earning a fair living wage, cleaners can have access to better healthcare, education, and housing options. A fair wage alleviates the burden of financial stress on them and creates a more equitable society for all.

Professionalism and Skill:

Cleaners may not always receive the recognition they deserve. Did you know their job demands professionalism and skill? Properly cleaning and maintaining spaces requires:

• Knowledge of various cleaning techniques
• Understanding different surfaces
• Using the right tools. 
• Understanding the interaction between different chemicals

Therefore, a fair wage would reflect the level of expertise and effort that goes into their work.

Enhancing Job Satisfaction:

Fair wages not only improve the financial well-being of cleaners but also enhance their job satisfaction and motivation. When we as individuals feel valued and respected for our work, we are more likely to take pride in what we do.  We perform tasks to the best of our abilities.  Cleaners are just like you and I.

Building a Stronger Cleaning Industry:

By advocating for cleaners to earn the Real Living Wage, we can foster a stronger and more sustainable cleaning industry. Attracting skilled and dedicated professionals to the field will; 

1. Improve service quality
2. Increase retention 
3. Promote greater job stability

This benefits both clients and cleaners alike.

Cleaners are the unsung heroes who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure our spaces remain clean and inviting. Their hard work, dedication, and professionalism make our lives easier and more pleasant. It is high time we recognise their essential contributions and support their right to earn the London living wage. By doing so, we can create a fairer, more equitable society while fostering a thriving and sustainable cleaning industry. 

I know I want to use an agency where people are treated well, paid well and ensured holiday benefits, and this feels particularly important now when zero-hour contracts and poor treatment of workers are prevalent in the media.  

Do Your Cleaners Deserve The Living Wage?

Lastly, how about you and your cleaner?

The fact is that paying people the real living wage is good for people and good for society. Everyone needs and deserves  a wage that meets their everyday needs.

Therefore, let’s stand together and champion the cause of cleaners. Let’s empower them to lead fulfilling lives and be able to continue providing us with their invaluable services.

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