In the last couple of decades, a lot of effort has been made to improve the position of cleaners and many others in similar kinds of work.

Much cleaning work is now done on contract, and contractors have an interest in the job being well done.
It is an occupation that employs thousands in Sheffield alone, and is regarded as a serious help to many low-paid families as a means of extra income.

The nature of the work has changed significantly and, if you apply for domestic work with a local authority, or one of the universities, it is likely that you will receive an application form several pages long and with as many pages again of tightly typed text detailing the duties and responsibilities of the post.

When you begin the job you will receive detailed instructions as to how you will be expected to do your job and have to be able to distinguish between the industrial strength chemicals you will use. It's expected that you will have an eye for detail, be ever alert to health and safety issues, approach the job in a conscientious way and be prepared to work flexibly. Hours are often inconvenient and many workplaces expect intense effort (ie fast working) in return for the minimum wage and few perks.

Given all this, why is Sheffield College getting away with employing people who cannot read, write or understand English, who could not, therefore, work unattended or unaided (modern methods of clocking in and clocking out over the phone are often accompanied by work-related messages); read fire instructions, for example, and who are allowed to dress in a way wholly contrary to the physical and safety requirements of the job in clothes that restrict the movement of the arms and unsafe to wear on stairs – particularly while carrying heavy objects, nor are required to wear the surplices or overalls provided?

Miss P Chilvers, Sheffield S8


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