ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The cleaning sector is experiencing severe staff shortages. UK reporter Lynn Webster asks why.

There has been considerable news focus on the depleting workforce in many sectors in recent months with cleaning and FM no exception. The cleaning industry is suffering what are described as severe shortages.

Gathering statements from various associations and trade press we hear of significant staffing issues from some of the industry’s largest businesses with 11 firms reported 1,917 vacancies in total; one firm saying their number of vacancies had increased by 252 per cent in the last six months, another by 267 per cent. The average vacancy rate 7.9 per cent with two firms reporting vacancy rates of 12 per cent or more and one a rate of 16.8 per cent. Another company saying there had been 99 resignations in the last six months. (British Cleaning Council survey).

There is no single reason clearly identified as the cause. Some two years ago concerns were voiced over the changes in immigration rules (categorising cleaning as less skilled) would make recruitment of overseas workers more difficult which, followed by the impact of Brexit and the pandemic is the recipe for crisis.

We also face our own, what has been termed by psychologist Anthony Klotz as the ‘Great Resignation’. The trend of employees leaving for what are perceived as better opportunities; those considering retirement where an ever-increasing age profile of the industry adds more ingredients to the mix.

This is further compounded by the staff who were foreign nationals who had gone home during the pandemic and not returned, those experiencing a different quality of life whilst on furlough and just not wishing to work in the industry.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, perhaps there may be one potential solution. No Going Back is an initiative supporting the rehabilitation of offenders who are a serious untapped labour resource to what becomes a well-trained workforce with a positive attitude and a desire to work.

“People sometimes overcomplicate what it takes to help someone out of a life of crime and imprisonment. People make mistakes, but when they’ve paid the price, they deserve a second chance and a friend to stand alongside them.” Peter Dawson, director, Prison Reform Trust. “No Going Back is a practical, evidenced intervention, and a sound investment in a safer, more prosperous society. It deserves every support.”

No Going Back is a programme that includes training, support and employment driven by some 28 livery companies including the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners with job opportunities as a result. Jobs are focused primarily in ‘the built environment’, a broad remit to encompass a wide variety of opportunities which includes cleaning and facilities management. The project is aimed specifically to meet the demands of employers.

Although initially based around London the opportunities are national. Critical investment has already been made with a major construction company considering significant growth in their building cleaning team through this process. National cleaning companies are already finding advantages in recruiting these committed, well-trained staff with a full support package wrapped around each individual with a security clearance probably far more robust than the usual routines.

The positive results will be by gaining the trust and buy in from the clients as their support is paramount to this initiative's success.

No Going Back, three words that can make a massive difference to people's lives!

For more information contact Barrie Torbett: barrie@renascencegroup.com