What Impact will the Increase in National Living Wage have on the Cleaning Industry?

Jeff Whitton • January 28, 2020

National Living Wage Increase



If you’re familiar with Rapid Clean, then you’ll know how much we value good workers. We are passionate about rewarding hard work through our quarterly Superstar Award and we ensure that all cleaning operatives are paid well for their work.

In this industry, wages have traditionally been low. The introduction of a minimum wage back in 1999, was something that we celebrated. Not all cleaning companies felt the same way, but we truly believe that our cleaners work hard and deserve to be paid ahead of the minimum requirement wherever possible.


Paying cleaners in excess of what is now known as the National Living Wage (25 year old workers and over), is something that we have always tried to do. It enables us to secure the best cleaning operatives, which in turn, ensures that our customers receive an excellent service that we are proud to deliver.

The National Living Wage has recently been increased to £8.72 per hour , effective from April 2020. In order to stay ahead of this we are having to increase charges to our customers. In our contract it states that prices remain fixed for a 12 month period but that excludes any change in legislation that we were unaware of at the time of pricing.

 

We understand that this hasn’t been a popular letter for our customers to receive but we hope that customers, and potential customers, agree with our reasons behind doing so. Margins are tight in the cleaning industry which means that we (and probably most) cleaning companies will be forced to pass this increase of 6.2% onto customers.

 

We are of course always flexible so if this increase is affecting you, we are happy to discuss ways of making savings by decreasing cleaning frequencies or adjusting the cleaning schedule.

December 9, 2025
Learn how commercial cleaning contracts work and the benefits they offer. Keep your business spotless with Rapid Clean’s reliable, tailored cleaning services.
By Suzanne Whitton December 2, 2025
Discover how professional school cleaning supports health, focus, and wellbeing. Keep classrooms spotless with Rapid Clean’s tailored cleaning services.
Four people rowing on exercise machines in a gym.
November 25, 2025
Keep your gym spotless and safe with our daily, weekly, and monthly checklist. Rapid Clean provides professional gym cleaning services for longer-lasting facilities.
By Jess White November 19, 2025
Discover our latest Rapid Superstar and celebrate outstanding team achievements at Rapid Clean. Learn how our star performer is making a real impact.
Person wearing gloves and apron cleaning an office desk with spray bottle and cloth.
November 18, 2025
Keep your workplace safe and productive with Rapid Clean’s expert office cleaning, maintaining hygiene and boosting employee wellbeing.
Person mopping a hospital room floor.
November 11, 2025
Stay compliant with NHS National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness. Rapid Clean provides expert medical cleaning to ensure safe, hygienic healthcare environments.
More Posts