JPC by Samsic Challenges Window Cleaner Gender Stereotypes

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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

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