The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has expressed gratitude to over 450 industry members who have endorsed its campaign to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority as it releases an assessment of the likelihood of future pandemics.
Published recently, the National Risk Register suggests there is a 25 per cent chance of a future ‘catastrophic’ pandemic, with the trade body urging the government to fully embrace 11 recommendations that have been outlined in a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry titled, “Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK.”
The council argues these measures will enhance the UK’s resilience against existing infections like the flu and better prepare the country for future health crises, such as the one flagged in the register.
Delia Cannings, BCC Chair, emphasises the need to amplify the voice of the cleaning and hygiene sector to prevent future tragedies. As the public seeks assurances about cleaning standards, unity is essential to underscore the vital role played by cleaning and hygiene workers who were on the frontline of the battle against the Covid pandemic, she says.
Cannings also stresses the importance of persuading the government to implement the recommendations from the previous year’s report, as it could save lives by reducing common infections like the flu. Learning from the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic and keeping cleaning and hygiene a priority is a logical step forward.
The British Cleaning Council, along with 21 associations from the cleaning, hygiene, and waste industry, launched this campaign in February. The initiative aims to engage industry peers in advocating for national prioritisation of cleaning and hygiene. Industry professionals can download a pre-written letter from the BCC website and send it, along with the APPG report, to their local MPs.
To facilitate this, the BCC has issued a QR code for easy access to the letter, report, and MPs contact details. This effort operates within the larger context of the BCC’s “We Clean, We Care” campaign, highlighting the pride that skilled cleaning personnel take in their frontline roles. Some key measures recommended in the “Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK” report are:
Establishing a joint government-industry team to plan for health emergencies. Agreeing on minimum cleaning supplies and equipment levels in readiness. Strategising increased production during public health crises. Granting frontline worker status to cleaning operatives in case of pandemics. Considering the inclusion of cleaning staff in the Skilled Worker Visa scheme. Setting hygiene and cleaning standards in various venues. Developing a standardised cleaning qualification within the Apprenticeship Levy. Allocating sufficient training budgets for cleaning operatives. Providing clear and consistent government communication on hygiene during pandemics. Using behaviour-based campaigns to promote hygienic behaviour. Supporting the cleaning and hygiene industry in reshaping perceptions. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, established in February 2021, underscores the sector’s importance with cross-party support. Referring to the BCC’s press release, the National Risk Register estimates a potential 25 percent chance of a pandemic returning.
For more information about the BCC, visit britishcleaningcouncil.org.