Cleaning and maintenance jobs in the UK play a significant role in the economy, offering many employment opportunities for people with different skill levels and backgrounds. These jobs span sectors including residential and commercial cleaning, janitorial services, and facilities management.
In this article, we provide an overview of cleaning and maintenance work in the UK, covering job types, demand, salaries, and how to find positions in this field.
Details:
- Job Title: Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs
- Experience: Entry-level to experienced roles available
- Salary: Starting around £20,731 per year, with experienced workers earning up to £29,000 or more annually (source: ONS)
- Education: No formal degree required for most roles; vocational training may be required for certain maintenance positions
Responsibilities / Role:
Cleaning and maintenance jobs in the UK vary depending on the role and the type of employer, but generally include tasks related to maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and the upkeep of facilities. Typical responsibilities include:
- Cleaning Tasks: This involves cleaning buildings, facilities, and equipment. Common tasks include sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and sanitising surfaces.
- Maintaining Order: Roles often include keeping facilities organised and stocked, managing cleaning supplies, and ensuring spaces remain tidy and safe.
- Basic Maintenance Work: Some roles involve simple maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, fixing minor plumbing issues, performing small repairs, or maintaining equipment.
- Following Safety Procedures: Workers are expected to adhere to health and safety regulations, use personal protective equipment where required, and operate cleaning machinery safely.
- Communication with Supervisors: Employees often report progress, issues, or maintenance needs to supervisors, requiring good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
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Types of Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs in UK 2025:
There are many types of cleaning and maintenance jobs available in the UK, such as:
- Domestic Cleaners: Work in private homes, carrying out regular cleaning tasks.
- Commercial Cleaners / Custodians: Clean offices, schools, hospitals, and other public or commercial spaces.
- Housekeeping Staff: Responsible for maintaining hotel rooms and ensuring high standards of cleanliness for guests.
- Facilities Managers: Oversee cleaning and maintenance operations in large buildings like hospitals, offices, or schools, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning.
- Maintenance Workers: Carry out routine repairs, painting, basic plumbing, and other tasks to keep facilities operational and in good condition.
Benefits:
1. Steady Demand
Cleaning and maintenance are essential services, meaning there’s a consistent need for workers across various sectors. This provides good job security and a reliable source of income.
2. Flexible Working Hours
Many jobs in this field offer flexible schedules, including part-time, evening, and weekend shifts. This flexibility can help people balance work with family, studies, or other commitments.
3. Entry-Level Opportunities
Most cleaning and maintenance jobs don’t require formal qualifications or extensive experience, making them accessible to newcomers to the workforce, career changers, or those returning to work.
4. Career Progression
There are opportunities to move up into supervisory or managerial roles or to specialize in areas like industrial cleaning, facilities management, or technical maintenance, leading to higher pay and more responsibility.
5. Physical Activity
Unlike desk jobs, these roles involve physical tasks like walking, lifting, or operating equipment. For many, this active work helps maintain physical fitness and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
6. Variety of Work Environments
Cleaning and maintenance jobs are available in diverse settings, such as offices, hospitals, schools, hotels, factories, and public spaces. This variety can keep the work interesting and prevent monotony.
7. Quick Hiring Process
Many employers in this sector hire quickly, which can be ideal for people needing immediate employment or looking to start earning fast.
8. Contribution to Health and Safety
These jobs play a crucial role in keeping workplaces and public spaces clean, safe, and hygienic, which is especially important for health and well-being in communities.
Eligibility:
- Work Visa: Foreign applicants may need a visa to work in the UK. It’s important to check requirements with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or consult a qualified immigration adviser.
- Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, whether through citizenship, settled status, or a valid work visa.
- Language Proficiency: Many cleaning and maintenance jobs require basic proficiency in English to follow instructions, read safety guidelines, and communicate effectively.
- Qualifications and Certifications: Entry-level cleaning jobs usually don’t require formal qualifications. However, some maintenance roles or specialised cleaning positions (e.g. industrial or healthcare cleaning) may require specific training, certificates, or apprenticeships.
Average Salary:
- Entry-level cleaners typically earn around £20,731 per year.
- With experience, cleaners and maintenance staff can earn between £23,000 and £29,000 annually.
- Facilities managers and more senior roles may earn higher salaries depending on responsibilities and location.
Experience Required to Work:
Experience requirements vary depending on the role:
- Entry-Level Cleaning Roles: Often require no prior experience. On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Facilities Management: Generally requires several years of experience in cleaning, building maintenance, or facility operations, sometimes combined with management experience.
- Technical Maintenance Roles: Roles like electricians or plumbers typically require vocational training, apprenticeships, and practical experience in their specific trades.
Note: While building surveyors and construction managers are skilled professions in the UK, they are not typically classified under general cleaning and maintenance jobs and require separate qualifications and experience.
Top Hiring Companies in UK:
Many reputable employers regularly hire cleaning and maintenance staff, including:
- Mitie Group Plc
- ISS Facility Services
- Sodexo
- Serco Group Plc
- Rentokil Initial Plc
- NHS Trusts (for hospital cleaning roles)
How to Apply?
- Research Jobs: Identify cleaning or maintenance roles that match your skills and interests.
- Update Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience, even if it’s informal cleaning work or maintenance tasks done previously.
- Search for Vacancies: Explore job boards such as:
- Check Visa Requirements: For overseas applicants, ensure you understand visa processes and work eligibility.
Conclusion:
Cleaning and maintenance jobs are a valuable part of the UK workforce, offering reliable employment and opportunities for advancement. Whether you’re starting a new career or looking for stable work, the sector offers diverse roles suited to various skill levels and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is cleaning and maintenance work full-time or part-time?
Both options exist. Many cleaning jobs are part-time, offering morning, evening, or weekend shifts. Maintenance roles can be full-time, but part-time and flexible contracts are also common.
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What types of cleaning and maintenance jobs are available?
Jobs include office cleaners, industrial cleaners, hospital cleaners, caretakers, handypersons, maintenance assistants, facilities technicians, and more. Roles exist in many sectors like healthcare, hospitality, education, retail, and manufacturing.
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Do I need qualifications for cleaning or maintenance jobs?
For most basic cleaning jobs, you don’t need formal qualifications. However, some maintenance roles (e.g. electrical, plumbing) may require specific certifications or training. Employers often provide on-the-job training for general roles.
