Cleaning Industry Leaders Write Open Letter to Government About Sue Gray Report

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30 May 2022

The Chair of the British Cleaning Council has requested a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to discuss the revelations of poor treatment of cleaning staff highlighted by Sue Gray’s report.

In the letter, a request to “engage with the government and review both the allegations and the details around the steps that have been taken” is put forward.

Jim Melvin, Chair of the British Cleaning Council describes the “appalling and upsetting” allegations of abuse against cleaning and hygiene staff and explains the impact of such treatment:

“It is our position that cleaning and hygiene operatives are hardworking, professional and deserve to be respected in their vital work, just like anyone one else and certainly how the people concerned would expect to be treated.” 

“For further clarification and information, in some parts of the cleaning industry, the demand for increased standards of hygiene during the pandemic has combined with severe staff shortages to drive many colleagues close to breaking point. What cleaning staff need is support and recognition from the government and Civil Service, not to be treated with any level of disrespect.”

Sue Gray’s report, which concerns gatherings at government buildings during various periods of lockdown, described “multiple examples” of poor treatment of both security and cleaning staff.

Picture: a photograph of a person using a floor cleaner amongst some tiered, theatre-style seating. A wet floor sign can also be seen. Image Credit: British Cleaning Council

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 30 May 2022

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