TL;DR: UK cleaning is bigger and better paid than ever in 2026, yet a large share of roles sit unfilled, which is great news if you clean for a living and a scheduling headache if you need one. This roundup pulls together the real numbers for the UK and London, then shows you the free way to hire a cleaner or find cleaning work.
Key facts
- The UK cleaning, hygiene and waste sector reached a record £66.9bn, employing about 1.49 million people, roughly 5% of the workforce.
- The National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour on 1 April 2026, a 4.1% increase for workers aged 21 and over.
- The voluntary real Living Wage is £13.45 an hour across the UK and £14.80 in London for 2025 to 2026.
- Self-employed domestic cleaners typically charge around £15 to £20 an hour, with London usually at the top of that range.
- Recruitment is tight, with roughly a third of cleaning operative roles reported unfilled and an ageing workforce.
The sector is at a record high
The British Cleaning Council's latest research puts the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector at a record £66.9bn, with employment climbing to about 1.49 million people. That is close to 5% of everyone working in the UK. In a city like London, cleaning quietly keeps offices, short-lets, gyms, clinics and homes running every single day. The headline is simple. Demand for good, reliable cleaning is not going anywhere.
Source: PolicyBee, UK cleaning industry statistics.
Pay floors moved up in April 2026
On 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour, up 4.1%. That is the legal floor. On top of that, the Living Wage Foundation's voluntary real Living Wage sits at £13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital. Most advertised employed cleaning jobs now pay between the legal floor and about £14, while self-employed domestic cleaners commonly charge £15 to £20 an hour, often more in central London for specialist or one-off deep cleans.
Source: Southend Cleaners, UK Cleaning Industry Round-Up 2026.
Roles are going unfilled
Here is the tension. Even with higher pay, cleaning businesses report that a large share of operative roles are hard to fill, and the workforce is ageing, with only a small slice of workers under 25. Rising employer costs, including National Insurance and the higher wage floor, have squeezed operators through 2025 and into 2026. For anyone who wants steady cleaning work, that mismatch is an opportunity. For households and businesses that need a cleaner, it means the reliable ones get booked fast.
Source: FM Industry, A Challenging 2026 for the UK Cleaning Sector.
What it means if you want to hire a cleaner in London
Expect to pay a fair London rate, book a little ahead, and be clear about what you need. A weekly domestic clean, an end-of-tenancy deep clean and an Airbnb turnaround are three different jobs with three different price points. The best results come from posting exactly what you want, the property size, the frequency and your budget, then letting cleaners come to you. Good cleaners are in demand, so a clear, respectful job post gets better replies.
What it means if you want cleaning work
The floor has moved up and demand is real, especially for people who show up on time and communicate well. Domestic, office, short-let turnaround and commercial contracts are all hiring. If you are self-employed, London rates give you room to build a solid round of regular clients. The hardest part has always been finding the clients without paying a middle-man a cut of every job.
Where CQD New Gen fits
CQD New Gen is a global community and home for cleaning, and right now it is completely free on both sides. Households and businesses can post a cleaning job for free, with no fees to post and no commission taken. Cleaners can create a profile and find work without paying for leads. Posting a job is always free. Think cleaning, think CQD New Gen.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost in London in 2026?
Most self-employed domestic cleaners in London charge around £15 to £20 an hour, with deep cleans and specialist jobs often priced higher. Employed cleaning roles typically pay between the £12.71 legal floor and about £14 an hour.
Is it free to post a cleaning job on CQD New Gen?
Yes. Posting a cleaning job is always free, with no fees to post and no commission on the work. Both sides of the marketplace are free to use right now.
Are cleaners in demand in the UK?
Yes. The sector is at a record £66.9bn and employs about 1.49 million people, yet a large share of operative roles are reported unfilled, so reliable cleaners are in strong demand.
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the real Living Wage?
The National Living Wage is the legal minimum, £12.71 an hour from April 2026. The real Living Wage is a higher voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation, £13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London for 2025 to 2026.
How do I find cleaning work without paying for leads?
Create a free cleaner profile on CQD New Gen, describe your services and areas, and respond to posted jobs. There is no charge for leads and no commission taken from your earnings.