Guides for cleaning companies
Plain-English guides to running a cleaning team in the UK: planning the rota, getting hours right for payroll, the new rights for zero-hours staff, and the right-to-work checks that now cover agency cleaners and self-employed cleaners on your contracts.
Rotas, timesheets and hours
How to plan a cleaning staff rota
Build a weekly rota for a cleaning team from your sites up: spotting gaps and clashes, breaks and rest, cover for sickness, and a simple layout to start from.
6 minute readTimesheets and clocking in for cleaners
How to record cleaners' hours across several sites, what counts as paid time for the minimum wage, clocking in from a phone fairly, and what records to keep.
6 minute readGuaranteed hours for zero-hours cleaners
What the Employment Rights Act 2025 means for cleaners on zero-hours and low-hours contracts, what's still being decided, and what to do now.
6 minute readShift notice and cancellation pay for cleaning staff
The coming rights to reasonable notice of shifts and pay for short-notice cancellations, with cleaning examples and how to get ready.
7 minute readHow much does cleaning company software cost? (UK, 2026)
What UK cleaning companies pay for rota and clocking-in software, with real prices for 20, 50 and 100 cleaners, plus the hidden costs.
Right-to-work checks
1 October 2026: what changes for cleaning companies
Right-to-work checks now cover self-employed and agency cleaners on your contracts. Who it affects, the fines, and what to do this week.
7 minute readRight-to-work checks for self-employed cleaners
From 1 October 2026, self-employed cleaners on your contracts need a right-to-work check before they start. Who's covered, how to check, and what to keep.
6 minute readAgency and app-booked cleaners: who does the right-to-work check?
How the October 2026 rules work when cleaners come through an agency, an app or another cleaning company, and what to put in your contracts.
6 minute readWhat to show an inspector: right-to-work evidence for cleaning companies
The records that protect you from a right-to-work fine, how to keep them, and how to have them ready if Immigration Enforcement asks.
5 minute readRight-to-work checklist for cleaning contractors
A step-by-step checklist to get a cleaning business ready for the 1 October 2026 right-to-work changes.
These guides explain the rules as we understand them. They aren't legal advice. GOV.UK, Acas and the Home Office's guidance are the final word, and if your arrangements are complicated, get advice.