Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 23rd November 2023 Issue no. 1090
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 International News
Products Eureka SpA aims high: new CEO and brand identity to consolidate and build on recent growth
AI and the future of facility services: new white paper from ISS
Innovation Awards Winners lauded at ISSA Show North America 2023
Quickfoam 10: a groundbreaking solution for eliminating biofilm in drains
EFCI attends European Parliament hearing on the social impact of Public Procurement
Plastic-eating bacteria turn waste into useful starting materials for other products
ACI's communications team honoured with three MarCom Awards
Achieving Sustainability: what do you need to know?
Protect fleets from glare and dirt build-up
New HP4000: the evolution of Comac street sweepers
Sweden: New collective agreement for in-house cleaning work
Company founder retires from Sellars Absorbent Materials
Trojan AES Battery wins Rental's 2023 Editor’s Choice Award
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
I’ve always supported the UK Government’s commitment to initially introducing the National Minimum Wage and ensuring that it increased regularly, with the aim that every employee would receive a fair wage. As the annual rises have been fairly small I’ve wondered how they can make much difference to the lives of those on that basic minimum, but with the cost of living having been fairly stable, I figured that the increases were probably just about acceptable. Not so now of course, with the cost of living having gone through the roof and so many more people struggling to make ends meet. Yesterday’s announcement that the minimum hourly pay under what is now known as the National Living Wage, will rise next April from its current £10.42/hr to £11.44/hr, (a 9.8% increase) for workers aged 21 and over (as opposed to the current aged 23 and over) means that anyone working a standard 37.5hr week, will see their pay rise by £1,994.36p.a. and their monthly pay by £166.20. The rate for 18 - 20-year-olds will rise by almost 15% to £8.60/hr, while the rate for 16 - 17-year-olds and apprentices will rise 21.2% to £6.40 per hour.
This initially had me feeling relieved for hard-pressed workers but then had me wondering how some companies are going to cope. Will cleaning contractors, for example, who are currently paying the NLW and just about keeping their heads above water, be able to get their clients to pay extra to cover the increases, which we mustn’t forget will now include younger employees too? Or will they be forced to swallow the increases themselves, rather than risk losing the contract to a rival who may perhaps just have a way of completing the required work in fewer hours? Will corners be cut in cleaning processes? Will machines and equipment be serviced and upgraded as often as required and will chemicals still be used at the recommended dilutions? Will companies that previously gave younger staff the chance to pay their way through 6th Form and university with part-time cleaning work – an opportunity both my daughters enjoyed – stop bothering with young people keen to learn the ropes?
According to the Low Pay Commission, over the lifetime of the NLW full-time workers have earnt £9,000p.a. more than they would have done otherwise - without any increase in unemployment. However, I’ve seen how the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansion throughout London and similar schemes elsewhere have damaged local economies along with the livelihoods and wellbeing of those without compliant vehicles or the funds to pay a £12.50 daily ‘fine’. Plus the way LTN’s (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods) have increased commuting times and impacted on the delivery of supplies. Are we about to reach tipping point I wonder? We all need to live but we also need jobs. And without those jobs we can’t live. Your thoughts please?
 This Week's News
Evonik's Ronald Birnbaum elected to ACI's Board of Directors
Chlorine disinfectant is no more effective than water at killing off superbug, says new study
Research by the University of Plymouth has showed spores of Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. diff, are completely unaffected despite being treated with the high concentrations of bleach used in many hospitals. In fact, the chlorine chemicals are no more effective at damaging the spores when used as a surface disinfectant than using water with no additives.   Top tips for staying safe whilst working in bad weather
Whilst it can be tempting to avoid delays and losing money by working through bad weather, it's important to ensure that the safety of yourself and others is prioritised.  Jangro unveils new machine range for flawless floor cleaning
The new collection comprises vacuum cleaners, extraction machines, scrubber dryers, sweepers, and pressure washers to clean almost any flooring effectively, anywhere.  Mitie showcases cutting-edge technology with launch of its Facilities Transformation Hub
Based in its London headquarters in The Shard, the Hub showcases Mitie's investment in the latest innovation to help customers embrace five key mega-trends:  SRFC Bio's breakthrough infection control technology, Protecta Clean, launches in UK
The product cleans surfaces, disinfects bacteria and viruses at application, and keeps killing 99.9% of bacteria for up to 48 hours after it dries without leaving any visible or sticky residue. The technology was successfully launched in the US in October 2022 and will now be made available internationally.  Space at ISSA Pulire 2025 already 60% sold out
As more than 60% of the trade show space has already been booked, this upcoming event is looking as if it’s on course to be just as successful.  Go Quiver! Delphis Eco trials same day and next day emissionless deliveries in London
As part of its ongoing ethos of continually looking at new ways to drive sustainability and lower emissions into its customer offer, the multi-award-winning manufacturer has partnered with Quiver to offer fresh innovation as to how its products can reach customers, quickly and sustainably. Enviro-Master partners with SaniPod to elevate washroom hygiene standards across North America
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in Enviro-Master's commitment to enhancing washroom hygiene and customer experience in commercial establishments. Tayside Tidy Green Clean franchise launches
The new franchise is establishing a new base in Dundee, where the business has already been operating for some years out of Tidy Green Clean HQ. Tidy Green Clean is an environmentally friendly commercial cleaning business, underpinned by ISO accreditations, and is a Living Wage Registered Service Provider. Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene - A Certified Great Place to Work
Through making talent development, diversity and culture a top priority, Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene has successfully cultivated a vibrant workplace buzzing with opportunities for learning, supportive camaraderie and a team-based approach to growth and success. The Cleanzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The Cleanzine. If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The Cleanzine:
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Our weekly updated Hospital Hygiene features current developments and product solutions cleaning and hygiene industry manufacturers are coming up with. Read More. Recent UK News
Soapbox: "Nitrous Oxide? It's no laughing matter," says Veolia
CHSA seeks a new independent inspector
Register now to attend premier cleaning event for North of England & Scotland
Cleaning up the streets with the Goupil G4 and Liverpool Streetscene
Expert training helps achieve optimum cleaning while working safely
CSSA Northern Community launch & celebration event
New partnership to bring autonomous window cleaning robots to London
Clapped in the clink for charity - Jim Melvin makes bail
Multiwash helps put smile on patients' faces
Several new appointments for fast growing Mrs Buckét
Dover Harbour Board wastes no time in making Mitie its first port of call
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