- Content
- People
- JPC by Samsic Challenges Window Cleaner Gender Stereotypes
13 June 2024
Vertical cleaning and window cleaning can often be gatekept and presumed better for men to conduct, but JPC by Samsic is looking to challenge this stereotype.
Over the cleaning company’s four decades operating in London, JPC by Samsic has supported women into the vertical cleaning sector and is today highlighting two recent success stories.
“Since my first day in the door I have felt nothing but appreciated, respected and welcome. Here East has become a valued part of my life. I feel like I am part of something great by being at work.”
–Louise Mehmet
Vertical Cleaning Operative – JPC by Samsic
Regents Place – Michaela O’Shea
At Regents Place, a 13-acre business, retail and residential quarter with over 20,000 workers and residents, JPC assisted Michaela O’Shea in her role as a vertical cleaning operative.
Michaela’s interest in window cleaning stemmed from her brother, David, also a window cleaner. Michaela stepped into the industry when there were only one or two women window cleaners in the whole of London and she was the first window cleaner across JPC’s portfolio, working with Kenny Willis, Key Account Director. Michaela was fully trained in all specialist elements such as ladder-to-pole work, harness conduct and working from cradles.
Here East – Louise Mehmet
Louise Mehmet had the passion to scale heights and train as a vertical cleaning operative but had been turned away by other companies due to prejudice based on her gender. Louise was told that she would not be “strong enough” for this type of role.
However, when Louise came to JPC by Samsic, she found the team were extremely encouraging of her passion and had a strong belief that talent knows no boundaries. When Louise applied, JPC by Samsic had nine other candidates at this site, all men and experienced in the industry. Louise was successful at the interview and joined the team as a vertical operative at the client site Here East, where she still works today.
Louise said: “Since my first day in the door I have felt nothing but appreciated, respected and welcome. Here East has become a valued part of my life. I feel like I am part of something great by being at work.”
Picture: a photograph of Louise outside the Here East building, operating a window cleaning pole system. Image Credit: JPC by Samsic
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 13 June 2024
Share
Related Articles
Simone Fenton-Jarvis and Louisa Clarke Launch Workplace Transformation Business
The Human-Centric Workplace, a new workplace transformation consultancy, aims to bridge the gap between leadership vision and employee experience.
Simone Fenton-Jarvis...
Read Full Article
Spotlight Interview – Emma McLaughlin-Edwards
Is ED&I dropping down the FM agenda? We met with Emma McLaughlin-Edwards from Constructing Rainbows to find out.
Emma is an equality, diversity and inclusion...
Read Full Article
The Window Cleaning World Cup Returns for 2025
The Cleaning Show’s annual window cleaning competition will return to London’s ExCeL for 2025.
Cleaning professionals from all over the globe will showcase...
Read Full Article
SBFM’s Abigail Richards Awarded Pattenmakers Future Leader FM Award 2025
SBFM Account Director Abigail Richards has been awarded the Future Leader FM Award 2025 from The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers.
Abigail will...
Read Full Article
Spotlight Interview – Samantha West | Ok To Be Different
Samantha West is an experienced FM Commercial Director who uses her lived experience as a transgender woman to help businesses improve their Equality Diversity and...
Read Full Article
NHS Facilities Manager Nominated for British Business Award
Kelly Owbridge-Tasker, Senior Estates Manager for NHS Property Services Midlands, has been nominated for two British Business Awards.
Kelly has been nominated in the...
Read Full Article
CIBSE President Fiona Cousins Appointed Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge
CIBSE President Fiona Cousins has been appointed an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, for her contributions to the engineering sector.
Fiona is an alumna of...
Read Full Article
ISS Launches Apprenticeship to Support Women in Leadership
ISS has expanded its suite of apprenticeship schemes with a new programme aimed at developing women into leadership roles.
The Women in Leadership Apprenticeship...
Read Full Article
Corps Monitoring MD Wins Women in Security Award
Andrea Strong, Managing Director of Corps Monitoring, has won the technical award at the 2024 Women in Security Awards.
The awards recognise the accomplishments, value...
Read Full Article
Cleanology Appoints First Ever ESG Director
Kate Lovell has been promoted to become Cleanology’s first-ever ESG Director.
Having worked as Head of Marketing at the commercial cleaning company for two...
Read Full Article