TL;DR: UK wage floors rose again in April 2026 and new sick-pay rules now reach part-time and gig cleaners, which is pushing domestic cleaning rates up. Demand is steady to growing, so good cleaners are in short supply and clients should expect to plan ahead.
The UK cleaning sector had a busy few months in 2026. Here is a clear, no-spin roundup of what actually changed and how it affects people hiring a cleaner and people looking for cleaning work, with a Manchester lens where it helps.
Key facts
- The UK cleaning, hygiene and waste sector is now worth a record £66.9bn and employs around 1.49 million people, roughly 5% of the workforce.
- The National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour on 1 April 2026, lifting the floor for employed cleaners across the country.
- The London Living Wage sits at £13.85 an hour in 2026, keeping the capital well above the national average.
- From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from day one and the lower-earnings threshold was removed, bringing many part-time and gig cleaners into scope for the first time.
- Typical domestic rates in 2026: around £15 to £20 an hour nationally, £22 to £28 in London, and £15 to £25 in Manchester, with regular Manchester work often around £19 an hour.
- Manchester rates are up roughly 12% since 2024, driven by the cost of living and strong demand for vetted cleaners.
Why wages and prices moved
Two things happened at once. The statutory wage floor went up, and the sick-pay rules widened. Together they raise the real cost of employing a cleaner, especially for part-time and casual roles that used to sit below the old thresholds. Agencies pass some of that through to clients, which is why quoted rates crept up through the spring and summer.
The result is a wider gap between agency and independent pricing. In 2026 a fair rate for a professional domestic cleaner in London runs about £20 to £25 an hour through an agency, or £13 to £18 for a vetted independent. In Manchester the same split lands lower, with independents often around £15 and agencies £16 to £22.
Demand is holding, supply is tight
Demand for home cleaning has stayed steady and is growing in short-let and Airbnb-heavy areas. That is good news for anyone doing the work. Turnover in the sector is high and reliable cleaners are genuinely sought after, so a cleaner who shows up on time and does a thorough job can fill a book quickly and raise rates over time.
For clients, the flip side is that the best cleaners are busy. If you want a regular weekly slot in a popular Manchester or London postcode, it pays to book early and treat a good cleaner as someone worth keeping.
What this means if you want to hire a cleaner
Start with what you actually need. A regular tidy-and-maintain visit is priced by the hour. A deep clean or a move-out clean is a bigger one-off job and costs more. Get two or three quotes, check reviews and references, and agree the scope in writing so nobody is guessing on the day.
On CQD New Gen you can post exactly what you need and let vetted local cleaners come to you. Posting a job is free, always, with no fees to post and no commission taken from either side. You see profiles, you choose, you deal direct.
What this means if you clean for a living
Rising floors are a tailwind. Position yourself as reliable and vetted, keep a few strong reviews visible, and do not undersell a good regular slot. If you are independent, the extra sick-pay protections and the higher wage floor set a useful benchmark for what your time is worth.
Finding clients should not cost you a cut of your pay. On CQD New Gen, cleaners keep 100% of what they earn. Create a free profile, set your area and rates, and reply to nearby jobs. It is completely free right now, no commission and no lead fees.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost in Manchester in 2026?
Most Manchester households pay between £15 and £25 an hour, with independents often near £15 and vetted agency cleaners £16 to £22. Regular weekly or fortnightly cleaning frequently lands around £19 an hour.
Did the minimum wage for cleaners go up in 2026?
Yes. The National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour on 1 April 2026, and the London Living Wage is £13.85. These set the floor for employed cleaners, though many earn above it.
What changed with sick pay for cleaners?
From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is available from the first day of illness and the lower-earnings threshold was removed, so many part-time and gig cleaners now qualify who did not before.
Is it free to post a cleaning job on CQD New Gen?
Yes. Posting a job is free, always, with no fees to post and no commission. Cleaners also keep 100% of what they earn, so both sides pay nothing right now.
Should I hire an agency or an independent cleaner?
Agencies cost more but handle vetting, cover and replacements. A vetted independent is cheaper and often more flexible. Either way, agree the scope, check references, and confirm rates before the first visit.