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Cleaning is not everyone's ideal job. In fact, curiously, cleaners tend to be looked down on as rather insignificant. They are in many cases poorly paid, badly equipped and frequently overlooked when it comes to handing out bonuses and perks to the wider workforce.

But consider what would happen if the cleaners downed tools, or as is happening in some areas of the country, they just move onwards and upwards to occupations where they find themselves more appreciated, leaving a vacuum that is not being filled.

Office staff would become disgruntled if their wastepaper bins weren't emptied and their washrooms weren't cleaned every day; hotels and catering outlets would not be able to function, not to mention hospitals, where cleaning, or lack of it, is often blamed for the spread of infections; nursing homes would undoubtedly close down because they would not be able to maintain the required standards.

While administration and management staff are regularly sent on expensive courses to keep them up to date with the latest technology and psycho-babble, many cleaners are not even considered worthy of free, work-based training which would undoubtedly improve their skills, their confidence and their self-esteem and would would inevitably improve morale.

The UK Government currently funds NVQ training for cleaners, thereby taking the financial burden away from employers, but sadly, few companies are taking advantage of this benefit. The skills-based training and assessment take place in-house and are based on the work the cleaner is carrying out in the regular performance of duties. The qualification is awarded on evidence provided by the cleaner and employer of proven competence in identified basic tasks. The complete course can be covered in the region of 12-16 weeks, and is certified by City and Guilds.

To find out more about NVQ training for your cleaners contact your local further education college or the Learning & Skills Council.