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Building Futures Group Reacts to Invisible Workforce Report

13 August 2014 | Updated 01 January 1970
 

In light of the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Report, ‘The Invisible Workforce: Employment Practices in the Cleaning Sector’, The Building Futures Group is calling on purchasers of cleaning services to stop the ‘Race to the Bottom’, which can result in unsatisfactory working conditions and lower wages.

The Building Futures Group is looking into the issues raised by the report and is working with members to establish effective solutions.

Already, an increasing number of Building Futures Group members are investing in the future of their cleaning operatives by implementing Living Wage initiatives and capitalising on training opportunities available through its training arm, Asset Skills Training.

Sarah Bentley, Chief Executive of The Building Futures Group (pictured) said: "It is now more important than ever that the cleaning industry unites to raise the bar, using best practice examples and encouraging the sector as a whole to match these standards.

 “The Building Futures Group plans to work with trade unions and employers to run a dignity and awareness of cleaning operatives campaign across the UK. The campaign aims to inform cleaning operatives of their rights. we will work with employers to ensure that there is an understanding of the importance of treating employees inclusively and with dignity.

"The Building Futures Group will be working with the EHRC Cleaning Taskforce and our own members to tackle the negative issues raised in this report."

 

Improving conditions

Bentley continued: "We hope that by providing practical interventions to raise standards and awareness of this essential service we can help to improve conditions for those cleaning operatives who are not being treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. As a result we are confident that there will be a healthy ROI and boost to the sector’s reputation as an industry that can offer fair and fruitful career opportunities for all.”

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 13 August 2014

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