Commercial cleaning

Characteristics and trends

The industry consists of individuals and companies engaged in providing cleaning services.  Primary activities include the cleaning of buildings, chimneys, houses, telephones and windows. Industry data identifies that in 2004, there were 5,865 businesses in the cleaning services industry of which more than half were sole proprietorships or partnerships.  Approximately 97,000 people work in the industry,  95% of these being cleaners.  Nearly half (48%) of the people working in the industry were permanent part-time employees.  Casual employees accounted for 26% and full time employees accounted for 22%.   In 2003, industry turnover was estimated at $2,424 million.  Most commercial cleaning is undertaken in commercial buildings and offices, domestic homes, educational institutions, retail and hospitality premises.  Other places of operation include industrial premises, event venues, health premises and transport facilities. 

Commercial cleaning has emerged as a growth industry due to the trend towards company outsourcing of non-core business functions and a growth in the services industry generally.  Broad social trends have contributed to this, particularly women’s increasing participation in the labour market, which has led to an increased demand for domestic cleaning services.

Employment opportunities and requirements

Formal qualifications are not necessary for entry and it is likely that, depending on the employer, some training will be provided on the job.  While the overall numbers of cleaners are not large in the context of the whole employment market, a feature of the labour market is extremely high turnover of staff.  Few people choose cleaning as a career and a large proportion of employees are itinerant workers, between jobs or use cleaning as reliable part time work while completing study or meeting family responsibilities.  As such, contract-cleaning companies are constantly seeking to recruit reliable employees.

Most cleaning jobs involve the following tasks:

• Operate vacuum cleaners to clean floors, work areas and machinery;
• Clean, dust and polish furniture and fittings;
• Sweep, mop, scrub and polish floors, shampoo carpets and rugs;
• Clean walls and windows;
• Clean and disinfect laundry, kitchen, toilet and bathroom fixtures and floors;
• Empty and clean ashtrays and waste containers;
• Clean areas surrounding buildings, such as paths and entrances;
• Remove graffiti;

Other specialist tasks are involved in areas of specialisation including carpet cleaning, domestic cleaning, hospital/hostel cleaner, industrial plant cleaner, steam, pressure and chemical cleaner. 

While the majority of people use cleaning as a short term or part time option for employment, it is possible to build lucrative career paths in the industry.  The potential for self-employment and the establishment of a small business is a clear option particularly given the relatively low requirements for capital to start the business.  For those willing to undertake training in business administration, there are opportunities for supervisory and management positions in the larger companies. 

What employers might ask

Cleaners are often responsible for the security of the building in which they are working.  Responsibilities include the holding of keys and, when leaving, making sure that appliances are turned off, the building is secure, and that security breaches are reported to building owners or managers.  As such, demonstrated honesty and reliability is a high priority for employers.  In addition, it is necessary that the applicant enjoys practical work, is methodical, is able to carry out instructions within a required period of time, and is physically fit enough to bend, work standing and lift objects.  Depending on the sector, the ability to operate commercial cleaning machinery is important. The capacity to demonstrate some knowledge of occupational health and safety and handling of chemicals and cleaning agents would be useful.

Employers will be looking to see how the applicant demonstrates these qualities and for some employers where security issues are paramount, a police check might be undertaken. 

Employment conditions

Most cleaners work for contract cleaning companies, large factories or businesses.  Most are employed on a permanent part-time or casual basis and work either very early in the morning or at night.  For many people, the industry offers readily available and flexible employment opportunities. 

Wages

One relevant federal award, the Cleaning (Building and Property Services ACT) Award 1998, sets the minimum full-time adult pay rate at around $460 per week.  This applies to those employees who work day shift and higher rates apply for those working early mornings, nights or in broken shifts.  Various awards apply depending on the industry sector and the state or territory.  To check relevant awards in the various sectors, see www.wagenet.com.au.

Training

Contract cleaning is an industry sector that traditionally does not have a strong training culture.  There is, however, increasing recognition of the importance and necessity of training and the contract cleaning sector of the Asset Maintenance Training Package sets out qualifications in cleaning operations.  These include Certificates I – III in Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Operations) and a Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Management).  There are related qualifications set out in the same package in the specialisations of:

• fire protection equipment;
• fire safety systems inspection;
• carpet cleaning;
• pest management; and,
• waste management.
  

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