Newly-published research shows steady growth in the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry

The value of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry continues to grow, reaching almost £72 billion according to latest figures, with the number of staff employed and number of businesses also on the up.

The rise from 67.7 billion in 2022 (the figure has been revised up) to nearly £72 billion in 2023 for the amount the sector contributes to the nation’s wealth maintains its position as one of the UK‘s top 10 industries, according to the British Cleaning Council’s (BCC) 2026 annual research report.

The report, released today (18 February) at the Manchester Cleaning Show, says the total number of individuals working in the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry is 1.51 million, approximately five per cent of the UK workforce, and up from 1.49 million the previous year.

The sector continues to grow steadily, with a reported 78,915 businesses operating in 2025, up from 77,535 businesses operating in 2024.

The report is packed with facts and figures about the industry and it is free on request.

For example, close to 46 per cent of the industry turnover is from facilities management, while waste and resource management contribute 26 per cent, cleaning activities 18 per cent and landscape services almost 10 per cent.

The industry is quite competitive with many smaller businesses. Nearly five out of six (83 per cent) are micro businesses, employing less than 10 individuals and more than 99 per cent of businesses are private firms.

Strengths of the sector overall include the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone, which brings together information about cleaning industry training and development opportunities into one place for the first time, where they can be easily accessed online, and the growing uptake of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship.

Challenges identified in the report include the continued struggle to recruit, an ageing workforce and the lack of Government recognition.

The report looks in detail at a wide range of topics such as workforce size and characteristics, working hours and pay, as well as examining the sector’s sub-industries and occupations, such as pest control officers and caretakers.

BCC Chair David Garcia said: “Our annual research report is a detailed, insightful and a key industry document. We are pleased to be able to offer a digital copy free, on request.

“It shows that the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry remains one of the biggest and most essential industries in the UK.

“It paints a picture of an industry which is steadily growing, with strengths and challenges.

“I commend the report to my industry colleagues and I urge you to contact us for a copy, if it will be of use.”

To order your free digital copy of the BCC’s 2026 research report, email compsec@britishcleaningcouncil.org. Attendees at the Cleaning Show can order a copy at the BCC stand.