Office cleaner's work to ensure that commercial areas are kept tidy, clean and safe. Commercial cleaning is usually conducted indoors, and there is a low level of dangerous or complicated work involved.
Who can I work for?
For any company that has an office area that needs maintaining. Some small firms try to save money by asking members of staff to carry out cleaning tasks but others, such as medium and large sized organisations, employ a cleaner or a team of cleaners to keep their premises clean and tidy.
Where and when can I work?
Anywhere in the country for any company that has an office area that needs maintaining. Shifts will usually take place before or after the working day so that cleaners do not disturb the office employees. Shifts are usually around two to three hours and, depending on the size of the office, can be daily or weekly roles.
What can I earn?
Commercial cleaners are usually paid by the hour and are typically paid minimum wage. This can vary depending on the size of the job, location and type of company you work for. In the commercial side of the cleaning industry, higher management roles will pay more, with supervisors and managers earning anywhere between £17,000 and £24,000 per year.
What are the benefits?
Flexible working hours, such as mornings or evenings, and regular pay. Commercial cleaners are always needed so there is plenty of work available for the right candidate.
Are there chances of promotion?
Commercial cleaning is big business and most of the large contracts are distributed between agencies and commercial cleaning firms. Joining one of these agencies or businesses will increase your chances of climbing the ladder and securing a supervisory or management role.
What will I be responsible for?
Cleaners of business premises will be expected to clean office spaces, empty rubbish bins and prepare working areas for the next day. This may involve cleaning out of normal working hours, sometimes early in the morning or in the evening instead. Usual tasks involve cleaning furniture and surfaces including windows and mirrored surfaces. Other tasks involve emptying bins, hovering and cleaning the kitchen area.
Do I need any experience?
Commercial cleaning is an unskilled profession and therefore no formal qualifications or experience is required.
For those wishing to climb the career ladder, popular qualifications include Cleaning NVQ Level 1 and Cleaning NVQ Level 2, awarded by City and Guilds are nationally recognised. More information about these qualifications can be found at www.direct.gov.uk
What attributes are needed?
Commercial cleaners need to be trustworthy as they can be around sensitive material and equipment and are often the key bearers to the premises. You will need to be honest, responsible and hardworking, as well as self-motivated with a reasonable level of fitness.