WITH Christmas done and dusted, millions of households are scrubbing and polishing for a fresh start to the New Year.
And cleaning is a booming business, too.
Since the pandemic highlighted how essential the roles are, the sector has been growing rapidly.
The industry expanded by more than ten per cent in 2025 and is now worth a record £66.9billion, according to the British Cleaning Council.
Whatever your background or level of education, cleaning is a job most people can do — and the sector offers rapid career progression for those seeking to move into management.
There are currently an estimated 76,000 cleaning businesses in the UK.
Alongside standard domestic and workplace cleaners, there are a small number of specialist jobs, offering higher pay and a chance to learn high-level skills.
Specialist hygiene service technicians tackle the very toughest cleaning jobs, including homes lived in by hoarders and properties where people have died.
The job requires a level of empathy for the client as cleaners are not only tidying up, but helping families reclaim their space.
Specialist cleaners need to have a driving licence plus GCSE English and maths, or an equivalent, as they are required to write reports on each job they complete.
Among the leading firms is Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, where Taylor McGeechan worked her way up the ranks and is now a sales consultant.
The 24-year-old, from Blantyre, near Glasgow, said: “The specialist technician role allows you to make a real difference to people’s lives.
“We deal with some of the most traumatic and hazardous situations imaginable, from suicides and sudden deaths to sewage leaks and supporting hoarders.
“You might start your morning putting on a hazmat suit and end up on site for eight hours, cleaning and decontaminating an area.
“Other days you might have smaller call-outs, like grease traps, flood clean-ups or sanitisation jobs. It can be tough, but incredibly varied.”
HR manager Sharon Wands added: “We offer clear career progression, from frontline technician roles to supervisory and sales positions — and we make sure our teams have the training and support they need to succeed.
“Whatever your experience or background, age or education, with the right attitude and values, there’s a really rewarding role for you here.”
Another essential cleaning job is crime scene cleaner.
These highly trained cleaning experts are called in to cleanse crime scenes once the police have finished gathering evidence.
Crime scene cleaners need a raft of skills and qualifications, from biohazard training to being able to work at heights.
Tony Earnshaw is chief executive of crime scene cleaners the UK Commercial Group.
He says: “Anyone wanting to get into crime scene cleaning will need to have a strong stomach, be very safety conscious and unfazed by anything they might come across on the job.”
The company is currently recruiting, with cleaners earning around £35,000 plus daily bonuses and perks, including a company pension and health insurance.
Mr Earnshaw added: “We want everyone who works for us to fulfil their potential and take their career with us as far as they can.”
SCOTT BIRDSALL swapped his role at a construction company to work as a supervisor for the UK Commercial Group, covering crime scenes.
Scott, 36, from Gateshead, said: “I was looking for something more challenging, engaging and physically demanding that also offered a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
“One of the most important qualities to have in this job is being open-minded.
“If you’re looking for something outside of the norm – something different, with a bit of risk but also a high level of satisfaction – this could absolutely be for you.
“Be prepared to see and do things that are quite challenging, but incredibly rewarding once completed.”
LOCK IN NEW JOB
MAKING a positive difference has emerged as the biggest driver of career change in 2026.
A Ministry of Justice poll found that while 39 per cent of working adults are considering looking for a new job in 2026, 78 per cent of these want a role that offers a positive change in their local community.
The MoJ currently has hundreds of roles on offer working in prisons and the probation service and has launched a new TV ad called Extraordinary Jobs to showcase the positions.
Deputy PM David Lammy said: “Every day, prison and probation officers give people a second chance and help stop others becoming victims.”
Learn more about the roles at prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk.
Jobspot
DISCOUNT supermarket chain Lidl currently has around 149 roles open nationwide, from customer assistants and retail shift managers to deputy store managers.
SNOW THE RULES
WITH Storm Goretti wreaking havoc across the country, employers are being reminded of their obligations to staff during heavy snowfall.
Kate Palmer, from HR experts Peninsula, said: “All businesses should have a Severe Weather Policy in place confirming what staff should do in severe conditions, what pay or time off they are entitled to and the steps the business has taken to keep them and the workplace safe.”
For jobs that involve driving or outdoor work, Peninsula’s Director of Health and Safety Gavin Scarr Hall added: “Employers must ensure that staff who drive for work don’t undertake a hazardous journey.
“Also, vehicles must be fit for purpose, with any safety equipment in place.”
HOW TO WOW FROM DAY ONE
ARE you starting a new job this January? Then ensure you get off to the best start.
Careers expert Mark Rothwell, from Hiring-Hub.com, reckons that if you want to pass your probation period, there are five first-day red flags to avoid.
He said: “Starting a new job can be nerve-racking, but there are a few simple steps you can take to boost what your employer really thinks of you on your first day.”
- Arriving late on your first day: This is a non-negotiable. If you turn up to your first day even five minutes late, it immediately raises doubts about your reliability. Make sure you arrive at least ten minutes early to show you are serious about the job.
- Being overly shy or quiet: Employers want you to speak up on your first day of the job. The first day is about asking smart questions, showing curiosity, and observing how the company operates and communicates. It is important you have the things you need to perform, so asking the right questions shows you are trying to work to the best of your ability.
- Being arrogant: Even if you’re experienced, every workplace has its own systems and cultures, so listen, observe and absorb. Show some humility.
- Not taking notes: The first day in a new job can be information overload, so not taking notes can signal a lack of interest. Ensure you understand the expectations and processes of the role and write it down. A lack of note-taking can mark you out as someone who needs immediate retraining.
- Being unsure of expectations: It may sound obvious, but many new employees overlook this step and end up underperforming because they didn’t clarify their responsibilities early on. Never assume what is required as it may see you misaligned with your manager’s expectations. Taking the time to ask questions, confirm goals and understand key responsibilities from the start shows initiative and professionalism.
