·         One of the most common reasons for sacking a client is their house being too dirty

·         Over half of cleaners (56 per cent) have experienced a cleaning disaster within the past three years

·         The most common issue experienced by cleaners is accidental damage to a client’s belongings

New research¹ from Direct line for Business reveals that one in three domestic cleaners – approximately 279,000 individuals – have had to sack at least one of their clients during their cleaning career.

The two most common reasons for terminating a relationship with a client are their property being simply too dirty to work with, and tardy payments. One in 12 cleaners (eight per cent) refused to work with a client because of the former, with the same proportion being forced to end their professional relationship with a client due to the latter.

Other common reasons for cleaners dismissing their clients are not being able to access the property (five per cent) and being forced to carry out non-cleaning chores (three per cent). Concerningly, the research revealed that a staggering 36,000 cleaners (four per cent) were forced to sack a client because they felt unsafe in their home.

The analysis also showed that over half of all domestic cleaners (53 per cent) have experienced a cleaning disaster within the past three years. Of these approximately 477,000 individuals, 189,000 (21 per cent) reported having accidentally damaged an item within their client’s property, with an additional nine per cent admitting to having damaged the property itself. One in nine (11 per cent) also reported having lost their tools or business equipment, with the same amount having lost money or had money stolen from them whilst on the job.

Despite accidental property damage affecting so many cleaners, nearly two thirds (58 per cent) claimed to operate without public liability insurance.

Nandita Borkakoti, Business Manager for Tradesperson, Direct Line for Business said: “We know how valued cleaners are by their clients, but working in someone else’s property can come with its pitfalls, some of which are difficult, if not impossible, to foresee and avoid. Knocking over a valuable vase or damaging a piece of sentimental artwork or furniture, for instance, can entail serious financial consequences, no matter how strong the relationship with the client may be.

 

“Our analysis showed that 72,000 cleaners have at some point had an employment dispute with one of their clients. Though the reasons for these disagreements may vary, we would advise these professionals to get adequate cover in place to avoid having to pay for their own – and sometimes extensive – legal fees and compensation costs.” 

Direct Line for Business public liability cover will cover cleaners for 3^rd party damage. For more information about Direct Line’s public liability insurance for cleaners visit the website: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/cleaners

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

¹          Research conducted by Consumer Intelligence amongst 151household cleaners and window cleaners between 31^st October – 4^th November 2019

²          Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults between 8-10th October 2019

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group
Unni Henry
Senior PR Consultant
Tel: 01903 636 149
Email: [email protected]

Direct Line for Business

Launched in 2007 Direct Line for Business provides a range of insurance products for the small business sector direct by phone or on-line.

Direct Line for Business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line for Business and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line for Business products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk