Our world has experienced such profound changes over the last two years that we are still reeling.
As much as we want to escape from the pandemic, we just can’t. Moreso when it comes to business and the economic fallout of our enforced hibernation. The knock-on effects have impacted our professional and private lives, and it compels us to face the future with as much preparedness as possible.
Yet, we face tests at every turn. In the UK, we are really feeling the economic pinch of stalled supply chains, the Brexit employee drain, the energy crisis and, recently, the effects of war on our doorstep. In a climate where every penny really counts, being a Living Wage Employer becomes inexorably the correct thing to do and the right example to set.
At the Worshipful Company of Enviromental Cleaners commitment to supporting the cleaning industry is our priority and where we can, we take a proactive position. This is why we wanted to show solidarity with our members, who are already campaigning for fair pay for their workforces.
Never before has a Livery Company been named as a Living Wage Employer - the WCEC is the first. We have made it a mission to elevate the perception and standing of the cleaning industry in as many ways as possible, from supporting education and scholarships, funding professional qualification study and foundation courses, and even introducing a Chartership scheme in 2021. There was yet another way in which we could support the wellbeing of our industry, so from February 2022 the WCEC became an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Given recent events, the WCEC really wanted to punctuate its solidarity with colleagues, whose exceptional commitment during the pandemic kept our communities and key industries safe. The cleaning industry didn’t have a break - it was in the fray working steadfastly to keep our built environment clean and hygienic including, most vitally, hospitals and other medical facilities.
Furthermore, the role of the cleaning industry is often undervalued - this has always been the case, long before coronavirus hit our shores. Cleaning has often been regarded as the unskilled option as far as career choices are concerned. However, conversely, we know that it requires training, dedication and ongoing professional development. These are all necessary when servicing clients with high expectations and myriad specialised cleaning and hygiene requirements.
As a cleaning industry business owner, I know how much the Living Wage demonstrates that without fair pay, we cannot adequately support or resource our industry. Furthermore, there is an obligation to act fairly and honestly with employees - pay them what they deserve for their hard work. The cleaning industry can be very demanding.
If a business does not act fairly, the ensuing damage jeopardises everything that it holds of value: a skilled workforce, loyalty, stakeholder confidence, reputation, and brand integrity. If a large percentage of a sector behaves that way then overall its perception will be measured by the practices maintained within it.
That isn’t who we are in the cleaning industry. The very nature of our services implies care, attention to detail, safety, and protection. These are not skills upon which to ride roughshod, but a standard to fly as an exemplar component of UK industry.
So, I will always encourage companies in our industry to undertake Living Wage Employer status. The road ahead is going to be tough for a while. However, giving your employees the opportunity to earn according to the true cost of living shows how much you appreciate their service. After all, a company is only as good as its people.
The WCEC is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of Council members are their own.
About the contributor
Gary Fage
Master
Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC)