Why Cleaning Services Are Popular in the UK

For the last decade the cleaning services industry in the UK has witnessed a significant growth. Research by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) estimated that the UK cleaning services industry contributes over £24 billion to the economy. Since 2010, turnover from the sector has increased by 21%. The turnover of the whole economy has increased by 17%.

The cleaning industry also employs over 700,000 people. For those working in the sector, wage growth is higher than the national average, with an increase of 6.4% compared to the national average of 2.3%.

What is contributing to this growth? A number of factors play role in the acceptance of domestic cleaning services. Busier schedules, more acceptance and affordable prices all play a role in the reason for the increase.

Affordability and accessibility

Affordability and accessibility make cleaning services available to more people than ever. For as little as £12/hr you can now have someone clean your flat in the world’s most cosmopolitan city London.

Gone are the days when cleaning and domestic help was only available to the rich. Now busy mums and overworked professionals can both get the help they need.

Not only is it affordable, but it’s also easily accessible. At the click of a few buttons, mobile apps like eMop can easily connect cleaners to clients. Like ordering a takeaway, you can now easily order a cleaning service and have it at your doorstep within the hours.

Changes in culture

The stigma associated with outsourced domestic chores is largely disappearing. People are no longer made to feel ashamed to admit they get a helping hand with household chores when needed.

According to Julia Ponomareva, founder of eMop – a platform that connects cleaners and those who need the service – British people’s attitude towards cleaning services is very different to those of her native Russia. In the UK, people are more accepting of the cleaning industry and cleaners. They will happily give the keys to cleaners and let them do the job – sometimes even leaving the house while they run errands.

In Russia, they do not only have negative views of outsourced cleaning, but they are also less trusting.

“They find it difficult to let a stranger into their homes, let alone give them the key to clean while they are out.”

Trading time for money

Time has now become a precious commodity as people became increasingly busy. Busy workers want to spend the free time they have with loved ones or doing things they enjoy, rather than cleaning. So they are willing to trade time for money. Researches show how those who spend money to free up their time are happier than those who spend money on material things.

Time stress is linked to lower well-being, including anxiety, insomnia and obesity. That’s why those who can afford it should take the pressure off and let someone do their house chores.