A Parliamentary voice for the cleaning sector

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) is sponsoring the creation of an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to represent the cleaning and hygiene sector in the Houses of Parliament. The aim is to give the industry a voice in Parliament, allow it to influence discussions, debate and pose questions and to influence ministers and the government.

The BCC has been working to attract prominent MPs to join the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, particularly those who represent constituencies where cleaning and hygiene sector businesses are based, particularly SMEs.

Parliament needs to approve the establishment of any APPG and it is hoped that this ‘inauguration’ could happen early in 2021. The group would also elect its own chair. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK at the beginning of last year, it very quickly became apparent that cleaning and hygiene operatives - considered by far too many as “an invisible workforce” - deserved much more recognition and respect. According to chairman of the BCC, Paul Thrupp, the creation of an APPG for the cleaning and hygiene industry is the next step in that process. Thrupp explained: “Through it, we will ensure that MPs, ministers and the government are made aware of the huge size of this industry, its massive contribution to the economy and the vital role that cleaning and hygiene operatives have in protecting people’s health and safety, particularly as we recover from the pandemic.”

This is vitally important news for the cleaning sector and the APPG will enable the BCC to provide expert guidance and assistance to both the government and the country. It will also enable critical and relevant issues to be put on the Parliamentary agenda, providing a forum for an exchange of views between MPs and those involved in the cleaning and hygiene industry.

Crucially this move will help to ensure that the BCC has a say when decisions are made that affect us, at a time when it has never been so depended on - or needed - so much.