Despite all the new technology and science involved in modern cleaning it is still a discipline dominated by
people factors. There are over 250,000 people employed by the UK cleaning industry most of whom are part
time unqualified women. A large percentage of the workforce are migrant workers and a lack of basic skills and
language difficulties are common problems. 83% of cleaning companies employ fewer than 10 people and staff
retention is low with some companies reporting turnover rates as high as 90%. The negative image that many
people have about cleaning makes it hard to attract and retain new employees especially good managers.
Leading cleaning companies are working hard to address these issues through investment in training
programmes and improved management practice.