Cleaning Council Ponders Effect of New Immigration System on Workforce

February 25, 2020

The U.S. cleaning industry isn’t alone in its concern that immigration issues affect workers in the trade. The British Cleaning Council (BCC) is worried U.K. government proposals to introduce a points-based immigration system will cause labor shortages in the cleaning sector, European Cleaning Journal reports.

Recent BCC research found immigrants make up 19% of the cleaning workforce and projected that 93,000 new cleaning jobs would be created by 2024. However, these projections were made before the immigration rule changes were proposed.

Under the proposed points system, overseas citizens would have to reach 70 points to be able to work in the United Kingdom. Speaking English and receiving an offer of a skilled job with an approved sponsor would give them 50 points. They would receive additional points for their qualifications and their ability to work in a sector with a shortage of workers.

BCC officials say these restrictions would cut off the cleaning sector’s easy access to overseas workers. With a low unemployment rate, there are not enough U.K.-born workers to fill the vacancies left in cleaning jobs.

 

Tags

Latest Articles

Showtime Presentations: When the Live Pitch Decides the Cleaning Contract
December 26, 2025 Jeff Cross

Showtime Presentations: When the Live Pitch Decides the Cleaning Contract

December 24, 2025 Jeff Cross

7 Blind Spots Threatening Business Growth in 2026

December 17, 2025 Ronnie Phillips

Welcoming the Next Generation of Cleaners

Sponsored Articles

ohn Howell and John Harp of Novonesis and Brandon Beyer of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions
December 15, 2025 Sponsored by Novonesis

Inside the Art of Cleaning—and What Happens When It Fails

December 1, 2025 Sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand

Inclusive Hygiene Begins Here: Real Research, Real People, Real Solutions—the Tork Way

November 26, 2025 Sponsored by Spartan Chemical Co.

Live from ISSA Show 2025: We Join Spartan Chemical in their Busy and Dynamic Booth!

Recent News

increasing healthcare costs

How Employers Can Control Rising Health Costs

Green Buildings Market Is Losing Momentum

US to Lose Measle-Free Status in January