Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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I wondered whether all this shouting we've been doing about a cleaner's role being highly skilled had finally paid off, when I saw this ad on The Times Higher Education website, for cleaning operatives at King's College London. That they're using such a lofty medium to advertise for cleaners is impressive in itself, but it was the 'similar jobs' section alongside the ad that raised a smile, while 'lecturer in international healthcare' and 'lecturer in health economics' are, perhaps, understandable, 'research associate in human/robot collaborative surgery' was a huge surprise. Don't you just love algorithms? I liked that whoever takes on the cleaning roles will be able to enjoy a competitive pension scheme, season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme along with other benefits such as discounted gym membership and access to sports facilities, too. Involving the cleaning team to ensure that everyone feels a valued part of the establishment, is always the way to go, in my view.
When I said 'we've' been shouting, I didn't just mean Cleanzine. The British Cleaning Council and its partners have been working extremely hard to create the Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship - an Apprenticeship Levy-accredited, industry-wide training programme and apprenticeship. We broadcast the details in last week's Cleanzine. In case you missed it, we need you to have a look at the proposals and share your views on them by 17:00 on Friday, 18th February - so you don't have long. Please visit:
https://britishcleaningcouncil.org/cleaning-hygiene-operative-consultation
Despite every employer with an annual salary bill of more than £3 million, having to pay around 0.5% towards the Apprenticeship Levy, there's currently only a healthcare-specific scheme in place for us. This leaves many of our sector's employers out of pocket: paying towards the Levy but finding that the Levy's dry. Feedback on the proposals is crucial if we're to achieve something that suits everyone. Please get involved so we can ensure that our sector no longer misses out and that the money we'll gain access to, will be spent wisely.
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Yours,
3rd February 2022