Flexible cleaning work

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026 according to the latest rates published on GOV.UK. Cleaning staff on zero-hour contracts must receive this rate for every hour worked including travel time between sites. Overtime does not attract a higher statutory rate but must still meet the £12.50 minimum.

Non-UK nationals must complete a right to work check before starting any cleaning role and can only work if they hold a valid visa such as Skilled Worker or Seasonal Worker permit. The Seasonal Worker visa allows up to 6 months employment in 2026 with a maximum of 3 months per employer. Employers must verify documents via the GOV.UK online service before the first shift.

Applicants must provide a valid passport or national identity card plus proof of right to work such as a share code from the GOV.UK service or a biometric residence permit. No formal education certificates are required but employers often request a basic DBS check certificate for roles in schools or hospitals. A National Insurance number must be supplied within 8 weeks of starting work.

Full-time cleaning contracts are typically 37.5 hours per week with a maximum average of 48 hours under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Workers receive 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year including bank holidays which equals 28 days for someone working 5 days a week. Part-time staff accrue leave on a pro-rata basis at 12.07% of hours worked.