FOCUS CLEANING
HYGIENE CHECK FMJ reports on a range of views from the cleaning industry on the eff ects the COVID pandemic
has had on this most essential of services and how it might have irrevocably changed the way
the sector is viewed in the future
A British Cleaning Council(i) (BCC)
audit of its members(ii) carried out
a couple of months ago, highlighted
the many ways that organisations and
individuals have adapted to the major
changes brought by the Coronavirus. A
consistent theme throughout was praise
for the dedication shown by cleaning
and hygiene operatives in protecting
the health and wellbeing of others and
keeping key industries going since the
pandemic began.
The Association of Healthcare Cleaning
32 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021
Professionals (ahcp)(iii) represents many of the
cleaning and hygiene key workers who have
been on the frontline fighting the virus. Delia
Cannings, ahcp National Lead for Education
and Training, said: “Cleaning operatives in the
healthcare sector played a key role during the
pandemic and have done an incredible job,
with many going above and beyond, working
longer hours, taking on extra responsibilities
and adopting new standards and practices to
prevent COVID-19 contamination.
“Ahcp members played a vital role getting
the Nightingale Hospitals set up and sta ing
them and will continue to operate them in the
coming months as we strive to recover and
avoid spikes in Coronavirus cases.”
BCC members have also lent some insights
into the e ects the crisis has had on cleaning
services and supply. Lauren Kyle, representing
the Business Services Association (BSA) said:
“Our members operate in a wide range of
sectors, some of which, such as sports and
leisure, transport, and retail - have seen a
downturn, while others – such as schools, and
hospitals - have seen heightened demand for
cleaning and disinfection.