TL;DR: Late October 2026 brought a new Real Living Wage, a big government cleaning framework and the year's awards shortlist. If you buy cleaning in London, budget for wage driven price reviews now. If you clean for a living, pay floors are rising and demand is steady.
The UK cleaning sector had a busy end to October. Below are the real stories that matter, in plain terms, for both the people who hire cleaners and the people who do the work. Every figure here is sourced and dated so you can check it yourself.
The new Real Living Wage
On 15 October 2026 the Living Wage Foundation announced new Real Living Wage rates. The rate is now 14.10 pounds an hour across the UK and 15.45 pounds an hour in London. Accredited employers have until 1 May 2027 to pay the new rates. This is voluntary. It is different from the statutory National Living Wage, which has been 12.71 pounds an hour for workers aged 21 and over since 1 April 2026.
Because cleaning is mostly a labour cost, wage changes feed straight through to contract prices. If you buy cleaning, expect your contractor to raise some prices at renewal. Ask what they pay and whether they are a Living Wage accredited employer.
Source: Living Wage Foundation announcement, 22 October 2026 reporting, avenclear.co.uk.
A major government framework opened
Sodexo was approved onto the Government Commercial Agency's new RM6378 Facilities Management and Security Services framework. The national framework replaces older routes and shapes how large public bodies buy cleaning and FM for years to come. Framework places like this concentrate a lot of public cleaning spend with a small number of named suppliers, which is exactly why smaller firms need faster ways to find the contracts that are still open to them.
Source: tomorrowscleaning.com.
Private contracts are still moving
It is not all big public frameworks. Specialist firm The Clean Space secured a two year contract with SMC Corporation UK, a reminder that private commercial contracts keep turning over across offices, industry and transport. New wins and renewals happen every week, and most never make the headlines, which is the whole point of tracking them.
Source: tomorrowscleaning.com.
The industry is recognising its best
On 30 October 2026 the final shortlist for the 2026 Cleaning Excellence Awards was revealed, with organisers noting an unprecedented number of nominations across the UK cleaning and hygiene industry. Awards season is a good moment to remember that cleaning is a real career with real recognition, not just a stopgap.
Source: cleaning-matters.co.uk.
The bigger picture
IBISWorld put the UK cleaning services market at 19.5 billion pounds in 2026. Growth has been slow, held back by competitive tendering that pushes contract prices down, and by hybrid working, which means many offices now concentrate cleaning on the busier attendance days. For buyers that means sharper pricing. For cleaners it means demand is steady but employers want flexibility.
Source: ibisworld.com, September 2026.
Key facts
- New Real Living Wage from 15 October 2026: 14.10 pounds UK, 15.45 pounds London, voluntary, accredited employers pay by 1 May 2027
- Statutory National Living Wage: 12.71 pounds an hour for 21 and over since 1 April 2026
- Sodexo approved onto the new RM6378 government FM and Security framework
- The Clean Space won a two year contract with SMC Corporation UK
- 2026 Cleaning Excellence Awards shortlist revealed 30 October 2026
- UK cleaning services market size: 19.5 billion pounds in 2026
What this means if you want to hire a cleaner
Prices in London are rising with the new wage rates, so compare a few quotes and ask each provider whether they pay the Real Living Wage. A clear written spec helps you compare like for like. You can post what you need and see interested cleaners near you for free on CQD New Gen, with no commission taken from either side.
What this means if you want cleaning work
Pay floors are going up and demand is steady, especially for reliable people in commercial and short let cleaning. Build a clear profile, list your services and your area, and you are easier to match to the jobs being posted. Setting up is free and there is no fee to find work.
FAQ
What is the new Real Living Wage in London for 2026?
From 15 October 2026 the Real Living Wage is 15.45 pounds an hour in London and 14.10 pounds across the rest of the UK. It is voluntary and accredited employers have until 1 May 2027 to pay it.
Is the Real Living Wage the same as the legal minimum wage?
No. The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation. The statutory National Living Wage, which is the legal minimum, has been 12.71 pounds an hour for workers aged 21 and over since 1 April 2026.
How much does cleaning cost in London right now?
Costs vary by site and frequency, and they are rising with the new wage rates. Ask for a free written quote from two or three providers and check whether each one pays the Real Living Wage, because that affects the price.
How do I find cleaning work in the UK?
Create a free profile, list your services, your area and your availability, and you can be matched to jobs posted near you. Being clear and complete makes you easier to find.
Does CQD New Gen charge a fee?
No. CQD New Gen is free on both sides right now, for people hiring cleaners and for people finding cleaning work, with no commission taken from either side. Sign in is passwordless using a magic link and a short code sent to your email.