The Power of the Real Living Wage: A Commitment to Fairness and Quality in Derby's Commercial Cleaning Sector
This week, the Real Living Wage Foundation announced an increase to £12.60 per hour—an update that holds significance not just for workers, but for businesses and communities here in Derby and beyond. At Upbeat Clean, we are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer. This commitment goes beyond a number on a paycheck; it’s about standing for fairness, quality, and a better future for our employees and our partners.
Why the Real Living Wage Matters in Commercial Cleaning
Real Living Wage in Derby
The Real Living Wage is based on the actual cost of living, calculated to ensure employees are fairly paid for their work. It’s not just about meeting a minimum requirement; it’s about creating genuine opportunities for individuals to support themselves and their families.
For us, paying the Real Living Wage is about raising the standard in the commercial cleaning sector, making Derby a more equitable city. Many traditional cleaning roles are low-paid, unstable, and don’t provide the security workers deserve. By offering £12.60 per hour, we’re not just providing jobs—we’re offering a chance to earn a secure, dignified living.
A Win-Win for Our Partners in Derby
We are so pleased to be supported by our partners in this. Businesses, venues, and organizations across Derby choose Upbeat Clean not just for our high-quality cleaning services but because they believe in the value people being treated fairly. These partners have made a long-term commitment with us: our contracts go up by the same percentage as the Real Living Wage increase each year. This is a shared commitment that demonstrates their dedication to ethical business practices.
Our partners understand that when their spaces—offices, community centers, and production facilities—are cleaned by individuals earning the Real Living Wage, it’s a statement of their values. They know that investing in fair pay leads to a more motivated, reliable team, resulting in consistently high standards of cleanliness.
The Real Living Wage Drives Quality in Cleaning
Choosing to pay the Real Living Wage isn’t just about fairness; it’s about excellence in service. When people are paid properly, they have the stability and motivation to take pride in their work. This directly impacts the quality of our cleaning services across Derby’s diverse business landscape. A cleaner who feels valued and respected delivers better results, and it shows in every spotless workspace.
A Commitment Shared with Our Derby Business Community
We are incredibly grateful to our commercial partners across Derby who not only support us in being a Real Living Wage employer but actively champion this cause. By choosing Upbeat Clean, they are demonstrating their commitment to sustainable, ethical business practices that benefit our local community.
All our profits go directly to our parent charity, which further amplifies the social impact of our work. By partnering with us, local businesses are not just investing in their own cleanliness—they’re investing in a stronger, more equitable Derby.
As the Real Living Wage continues to evolve, we will remain dedicated to matching it and ensuring that every employee in our commercial cleaning team is paid what they deserve. This is a promise we share with our partners, who make this work possible. Together, we are changing lives in Derby, one well-cleaned office at a time.