Bid to improve cleaners’ lot

An alliance of trade unions and community organisations called Cleaners United has been formed to improve the working conditions of cleaners. The unions are the PCS civil service union, general union Unite and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain. The group has launched a “listening campaign” to get the views of cleaners on common issues such as low pay, discrimination and sexual harassment.

The campaign will involve union reps and other volunteers talking to cleaners in their workplaces. A survey of cleaners will be available in English, Polish and Spanish.

Amanda Walters, Cleaners United campaign director, said the listening campaign “will be the biggest of its kind”, ensuring cleaners’ voices are heard.