A quick, practical roundup of the cleaning stories that actually affect people in London right now, whether you hire a cleaner or earn your living as one. Every number below is sourced, nothing is invented.
TL;DR
Cleaner pay in the UK stepped up again in April 2026 and London rates sit well above the national floor. The sector is now worth a record 66.9bn pounds, so demand for reliable cleaners is strong on both sides of the market.
Key facts
- The National Living Wage rose to 12.71 pounds an hour from 1 April 2026, a 4.1 percent increase on the previous 12.21 pounds, for workers aged 21 and over.
- The rate for 18 to 20 year olds rose to 10.85 pounds, and the 16 to 17 rate to 8.00 pounds.
- The British Cleaning Council puts the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector at a record 66.9bn pounds, employing around 1.49 million people, roughly 5 percent of the UK workforce.
- In London the voluntary real Living Wage is 14.80 pounds an hour, above the legal minimum.
- From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is available from day one and the lower earnings threshold was removed, bringing many part time and gig cleaners into scope.
What the pay rise means in London
Wages are the single largest cost in cleaning, so when the floor moves, the rates charged to customers tend to follow. In London in 2026 independent cleaners typically charge 15 to 20 pounds an hour, agencies 22 to 26 pounds, regular domestic cleaning runs 20 to 28 pounds an hour and deep cleans 25 to 45 pounds. If you are quoted far below those bands, ask how the cleaner is being paid.
For cleaners, the message is simple. Your time is worth more this year than last, and clients in a 66.9bn pound sector are looking for people they can trust. Setting your rate at or above the real Living Wage of 14.80 pounds is reasonable in London, and specialist work like end of tenancy or short let turnarounds commands more.
What the new rights mean
Day one Statutory Sick Pay matters for the many cleaners who work part time or on flexible shifts. If you employ cleaners directly, factor this into your planning. If you are a cleaner, you now have cover from your first day of qualifying work rather than waiting out a threshold.
Hiring a cleaner in London without the guesswork
Use the rate bands above as your anchor, then check reviews and confirm what is included, for example whether products and equipment are provided. Agree the scope in writing, a weekly tidy is not the same job as a deep clean. On CQD New Gen you can post a cleaning job for free, with no commission, and reach local cleaners directly.
Finding cleaning work in London
Demand is healthy and pay is rising, so this is a good moment to be visible. List your services, your area and your availability, and respond quickly to new jobs. It is free to find work on CQD New Gen, and you keep 100 percent of what you earn.
FAQ
What is the UK minimum wage for cleaners in 2026?
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage is 12.71 pounds an hour for workers aged 21 and over, up 4.1 percent. In London many cleaners aim for the voluntary real Living Wage of 14.80 pounds or more.
How much does a cleaner cost in London in 2026?
Independent cleaners typically charge 15 to 20 pounds an hour and agencies 22 to 26 pounds. Regular domestic cleaning runs about 20 to 28 pounds an hour, and deep cleans 25 to 45 pounds depending on the property.
Is it free to hire a cleaner on CQD New Gen?
Yes. You can post a cleaning job for free with no commission, and reach local cleaners directly.
Do cleaners now get sick pay from day one?
From April 2026 Statutory Sick Pay is available from the first day, and the lower earnings threshold was removed, which brings many part time and gig cleaners into scope.
How do I find cleaning work in London?
List your services, area and availability on a marketplace like CQD New Gen, keep your profile current and reply quickly to new jobs. It is free to find work and you keep everything you earn.