The Government’s guidance states that individuals must not leave their home except for specific reasons which include work – if they can’t do their job remotely. So, domestic cleaners will need to follow several regulations as England enters into a second lockdown.

With the recent announcement that England was going into a second lockdown from Thursday 5^th November, you might be wondering if your house cleaner can still work in your home.

People have been banned from leaving their homes except if they qualify under a list of specific circumstances, with the UK Government doing their best to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance will remain in place until at least 2^nd December, but there is the possibility that it may be extended.

The lockdown rules will have an impact on many businesses, as we saw earlier in the year, with many businesses being told to either close completely, or operate under the new restrictions as best they can. However, the UK Government are planning to extend the furlough scheme to the end of March 2021 in order to help workers out.

But what does this mean for cleaners (and other tradespeople)? How do the latest restrictions affect who can work in your home?

Well, the rules actually differ depending on whether the property is a residential one, or a commercial one – so let’s take a closer look at the Government guidance.

Can cleaners visit your home?

The government has published guidance on the “New National Restrictions from 5^th November” which includes who can and who cannot come into your home.

The beginning of the Guidance for the new lockdown starts off by saying; “You must not leave or be outside your home except for specific purposes.” and it does go on to say: “To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so.”

However, it does go on to say that cleaners are still able to enter your home during this time. The guidance actually states: “Where it is necessary to work in other people’s homes – for example, for nannies, cleaners or tradespeople – you can do so.”

What is included in the guidance for those who need to work in other people’s homes?

According to the guidance that was released in time for the first lockdown in May this year, “working in other people’s homes” included (but was not limited to) people working in the following areas:

• In home workers – such as childcare providers, cleaners, cooks, fitters, meter readers, plumbers, repair services, and surveyors.
• To home workers – such as delivery drivers who will momentarily be at your door

What kind of safety measures need to be in place?

According to the advice of the UK Government, employers have a legal responsibility to protect workers and speak to them about health and safety before their visit. This means they need to think about what risks their employees might face in the home, and make sure they are doing everything they reasonably can to minimise these risks for their employees – whilst realising they cannot completely remove the risk of COVID-19.

It is good to see that the Government has acknowledged, however, that this is a complex topic due to the various employment relationships that are involved in the cleaning industry – including self-employed cleaners, agencies and employers.

This is why, they are encouraging employees to speak with their employers directly, to discuss any precautions they should put in place or uncertainties they have about working during this period.

We encourage all of the cleaners registered on Maid App to stay at home if they feel unwell, and not attend client’s premises – and so we would ask that you be prepared for plans to change.

We also advise that both clients and cleaners observe the social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart – where possible.

How can cleaners socially distance while working?

No specific guidance has been set down for how people working in other people’s homes should socially distance during this lockdown, but previous guidance has stated that households should comply with the same guidelines as public and private venues – with increased hygiene and social distancing methods in place.

It should be noted, however, that these restrictions do not apply to live-in maids and cleaners, who are considered members of the household that they work in.

If a cleaner is working in the home of someone who is classed as vulnerable, then they should avoid face to face contact where possible – such as answering the door, or receiving payment).

We recommend before going to a house to work, cleaners should communicate with the household prior to their arrival, and on arrival ensure the household understands the social distancing rules and hygiene measures that have been put into place to protect both parties.

In addition, cleaners should make sure they dispose of all cleaning products and household waste on the property – if they are not going to be reused that is.

If they are using their own cleaning products and taking them to another clients, they should make sure that they are cleaned thoroughly between each use.

Can cleaners work in homes where people are self-isolating?

No, Cleaners should not enter into the home of someone who is self-isolating because they have tested positive for the Coronavirus.

What else can cleaners do to stay safe?

Social distancing rules must be adhered to, meaning people should stay two metres apart within the home – or one metre where two metres is not viable.

Face covering should always be worn, and the amount of time spent working in a confined space should be kept to a minimum if it cannot be completely avoided.

So, the takeaway from all this is that if you want to book a cleaner during lockdown, you can do – as long as both you and the cleaner are not showing any symptoms of Coronavirus and are following the social distancing rules.