Cleaning and maintenance jobs play a crucial role in the UK economy, offering numerous employment opportunities across various sectors. These roles are available in residential and commercial cleaning, janitorial services, facilities management, and more.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of cleaning and maintenance work in the UK—including job types, industry demand, salaries, and how to secure a position in this essential field.
Details:
| Job Title | Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs |
|---|---|
| Experience | Varies (Entry-level to Skilled) |
| Average Salary | £21,860 per year |
| Education Requirement | Often none; some roles prefer vocational training or relevant certifications |
Responsibilities and Roles:
Cleaning and maintenance responsibilities vary by specific job titles and employers. However, common tasks often include:
Cleaning
The primary responsibility is cleaning buildings, facilities, and sometimes machinery. This can involve:
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Vacuuming carpets
- Dusting surfaces
- Disinfecting common areas
Maintaining Order
Workers help keep environments organized and tidy, which may involve:
- Managing inventories of cleaning supplies
- Ensuring cleanliness standards are maintained
Performing Basic Maintenance Tasks
In some roles, employees also:
- Change light bulbs
- Repair minor plumbing issues
- Perform minor fixes on equipment and fixtures
Following Safety Procedures
Strict health and safety standards are essential in these roles, including:
- Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Operating machinery safely
- Using correct lifting techniques
Communication
Cleaning and maintenance staff often:
- Report progress or issues to supervisors
- Work as part of a team to complete larger cleaning tasks efficiently
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Types of Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs in UK 2025:
The UK cleaning and maintenance sector includes a wide variety of roles. Examples include:
Cleaners and Custodians
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining offices, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Housekeeping Staff
Work in hotels and hospitality, ensuring rooms and common areas remain clean and welcoming for guests.
Facilities Managers
Oversee the management of cleaning, maintenance, and safety in large buildings like hospitals, schools, and office complexes.
Maintenance Workers
Carry out routine maintenance tasks such as painting, minor repairs, and ensuring equipment is in good working order.
Benefits:
- Steady Demand
Cleaning and maintenance services are always in demand across industries like healthcare, hospitality, retail, and property management, providing job security. - Entry-Level Opportunities
Many roles do not require formal qualifications or prior experience, making them accessible to a wide range of job seekers, including newcomers to the UK. - Flexible Working Hours
These jobs often offer part-time, full-time, evening, or weekend shifts, which can suit students, parents, or those with other commitments. - Opportunities for Overtime and Extra Pay
Employers may offer overtime pay, bonuses for night shifts, or weekend work, helping boost overall income. - Career Progression
With experience, workers can move into supervisory, team leader, or facilities management roles, often with on-the-job training provided. - Workplace Variety
Jobs can range from office buildings to hotels, schools, hospitals, or private homes, offering different environments and responsibilities. - Health and Safety Awareness
Many employers provide training in cleaning standards, equipment use, and safety procedures, which can be transferable to other roles. - Visa Sponsorship Possibilities
Some UK employers offer visa sponsorship for cleaning or facilities roles, especially in large organizations or staff-shortage areas. - Social Benefits
Full-time roles may come with UK employment benefits such as paid holidays, sick leave, pension contributions, and access to public healthcare. - Opportunities Across the UK
Cleaning and maintenance roles are available in cities, towns, and rural areas, offering flexibility in where you choose to live and work.
Eligibility Requirements:
Right to Work
Foreign applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. This may include:
- Citizenship from the UK, EEA countries, or Switzerland
- A valid UK work visa
Work Visa
Depending on your nationality and job offer, you may need to apply for a specific work visa. It’s advisable to check requirements with:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- A professional immigration adviser
English Language Proficiency
Most cleaning and maintenance roles require at least basic proficiency in English for communication and safety compliance.
Qualifications
Many entry-level cleaning jobs do not require formal qualifications. However, certain maintenance roles (such as electrical or plumbing work) often require:
- Vocational training
- Relevant certifications
- Apprenticeships
Average Salary:
- Entry-Level Salary: Approximately £20,731 per year
- Experienced Workers: Up to £29,000 per year
Experience Required:
Experience requirements vary widely depending on the specific job:
- General Cleaners: Often no prior experience needed; on-the-job training is provided.
- Maintenance Workers: Typically require prior experience in building repairs, painting, or basic plumbing.
- Skilled Trades (e.g., Electricians, Plumbers): Usually require:
- Completion of apprenticeships or vocational training
- Practical experience in installations, repairs, and maintenance
- Facilities Managers: Often need several years of experience managing cleaning and maintenance operations.
Top Hiring Companies in UK:
Many reputable companies regularly recruit for cleaning and maintenance roles, including:
- Mitie Group Plc
- ISS Facility Services
- Sodexo
- Serco Group Plc
- Rentokil Initial Plc
How to Apply for Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs in UK 2025?
If you’re interested in pursuing a cleaning or maintenance job in the UK, follow these steps:
- Identify Suitable Roles – Search for jobs matching your skills and interests on UK job boards such as:
- Update Your CV – Highlight relevant experience, skills, and certifications related to cleaning or maintenance work.
- Apply Online – Submit applications directly through company websites or job portals.
- Prepare for Interviews – Be ready to discuss your experience, attention to detail, and ability to follow safety protocols.
Conclusion:
Cleaning and maintenance jobs are essential to the UK’s economy, offering stable employment opportunities with the potential for career growth. Whether you’re seeking your first job or looking to advance into management, this sector can provide a rewarding career path.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need qualifications to work in cleaning or maintenance in the UK?
Many entry-level cleaning and basic maintenance jobs don’t require formal qualifications. However, specialized roles (e.g. electrical maintenance) may need certifications or training.
How much do cleaning and maintenance workers earn in the UK?
Wages vary by region, employer, and job type. Many roles start around the National Minimum Wage (£11.44 per hour for adults) but can be higher, especially in London or for skilled maintenance jobs.
Can I work in cleaning or maintenance in the UK if I’m an international worker?
Yes, but you must have the legal right to work in the UK. Some employers offer visa sponsorship, especially for roles in shortage areas, but it’s less common for general cleaning jobs.
