Commercial laundries want YOU!

The UK’s Textile Services Association (TSA) has come together with the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) and others to throw open the doors of the commercial laundry industry to the public.

The aim?
To demonstrate and promote careers in textile services.

The method?
Commercial laundry sites across the UK will allow visitors access inside their premises on specified days between 11 -15 March, where they can see and discuss the range of careers available in this growing sector.

The actual washing process is only part of it. While there are currently over 24,000 people working in the textile services industry, only about a third handle the laundry. From engineers to customer service reps and HR, from sales and finance teams to drivers, behind every clean piece of linen is a vast number of different skills and jobs. While one purpose of Laundry Open Week is to showcase the diversity of career paths within the commercial laundry industry, it’s also to celebrate some of its forward-thinking initiatives as championed by the TSA, from sustainability to inclusivity and mental health, as well as explaining the industry’s importance in supporting the broader UK economy.

David Stevens, CEO of the TSA commented: “While these issues are vital to us, we want this week to demonstrate that it’s a fun industry to work in, too! Anyone interested in a career in textile services, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, should consider getting involved.” 

While this is the first time something like this has been done in the UK, its potential for success has already been tried and tested overseas. “France has been doing this for a few years now, and with a great turnout,” added Stevens. “The fact we have ETSA and others behind it now is really encouraging. We are keen to showcase to the general public what our industry can offer.”  

There’s still time for commercial laundries to apply to be part of the open week. They just need to get in touch with the TSA via its website and specify a day between 11-15 March that works best for them to participate.

Commercial laundries are vital to UK Plc. Without them, 90 per cent of hotels would be forced to close within just three days, while the same percentage of hospitals would close after 24 hours. For Pharma and Food Processing Factories, the story is much the same.

“The message is simple: laundry matters, and working in the laundry industry can be a highly rewarding career,” said Stevens.