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Written question asked by Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 February 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 February 2020. It was answered by Lord Laming (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 19 February 2020 on behalf of the Senior Deputy Speaker (HL).

House of Lords: Contract Cleaning

Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether the House of Lords Administration has replaced the employment of housekeepers with the use of contract cleaners; and if so, how much they estimate will be saved as a result of such a policy; and what will be (1) the hours, (2) the holiday entitlement, and (3) the sickness benefits, of those staff employed as contract cleaners.

Answer

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. The current policy is to retain the Housekeeping Team for the foreseeable future and to continue to provide Housekeeping services within the Palace, with a focus on the high profile areas such as the Chamber, Robing Room, Prince’s Chamber, Royal Gallery and offices on the Principal and First floor.

A contractor, AtaliaServest, currently cleans all out-buildings as well as selected Member and staff offices in the Palace of Westminster. AtaliaServest has been the incumbent cleaning contractor for over five years. Additional areas, including those with limited accessibility and lone working requirements, have been handed over to AtaliaServest. This decision was taken to maximise operational efficiency, making best use of the AtaliaServest team and allowing the House of Lords Housekeepers to focus on high profile areas and specialist cleaning, rather than for any financial benefit. The terms and conditions of AtaliaServest staff are set by AtaliaServest, all staff and contractors working on the Parliamentary Estate are paid at least the London Living Wage.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1384
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Conditions of employment Cost effectiveness House of Lords Contract cleaning
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk