14/07/2026
Long rant incoming!!!!
I’ve thought long and hard weather to post this or not. I’ve been in the cleaning industry for 15 years self employed now and it’s not easy owning your own business these days in the UK.
There is zero funding, there is zero employer support and help for a small business owners.
An employee can take sick days and be paid from day 1, but you still have to pay them their sick pay, pay to cover the clients they miss and of course still pay holidays and pension they accrue, no matter the length of the sickness.
The industry itself is so unregulated and anyone can pick up a mop and call themselves a cleaner.
Do they have training? Chemical training? insurance? Do they even declare what they are earning?
The answer is NO. I know many, many people who cheat the system, on full benefits for mental health, back issues (the things a doctor can’t argue on) but your still able to go out and work cash in hand? Seriously?
I’ve helped a good few staff members set up business on their own and I’ll help and support them through it. They’re open and honest so why not help and support.
But what really pi**es me off is the staff who come for training, learn what to do and then poach clients from our family business for themselves. Now do they declare these earning? Nope, more cash in handers. Now this has been happening not just to me but nearly every business owner I speak to.
What really was the final straw for me yesterday was seeing an ex employee who had to leave due to medical condition. Outside and ex clients house wearing our S & B uniform!! She no longer works for our family business but feels it’s appropriate to wear a T-shirt that should have been returned, with our children’s names on it.
S & B it’s named after our children, the reason we work so hard like any parent does, everything we do is for them.
I’d love to know if this happens in your line of work?
