By Meghna Sharma, Research Fellow at IES.
Economy in the UK has experienced significant shifts between 2021 and 2024, shaped by a combination of global and domestic factors. Disruptions caused by the pandemic led to shifts in labour demand and a heightened awareness of hygiene. Brexit introduced trade barriers and labour shortages, particularly in low-wage sectors that historically relied on EU workers. Moreover, the rapid adoption of remote work further altered employment patterns, reducing demand in some sectors while increasing it in others, such as domestic services. Amid these fluctuations, examining the domestic cleaning sector—a sector potentially overlooked in research— can uncover broader economic dynamics within the UK’s development framework.
Using data from the Adzuna intelligence portal this blog explores the drivers of labour demand and salary changes for domestic workers and cleaners across financial years in various local authorities in the UK. By analysing these trends, this piece sheds light on the evolving landscape of domestic work in the UK and the need to better understand socio-economic conditions of workers in elementary occupations.
Figure 1: Median salaries for domestic workers and cleaners: SOC 9223
Source: Adzuna vacancy portal
Variations across Local Authorities
Observed variations in median salaries for domestic workers and cleaners across financial years reveal significant trends. From FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23, four local authorities recorded a salary growth of over 25%. In FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24, two local authorities surpassed the 25% growth mark. In contrast, three local authorities—Ceredigion, Inverclyde, and the City of London—experienced a decline in median salaries between FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23, with the City of London seeing the sharpest drop at 14%. However, in FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24, no local authorities recorded a decline. The lowest increases during this period were observed in the City of London and Rushmoor, each at 5%.
Interestingly, while the City of London experienced declines, it continues to offer the highest median salary for domestic workers/cleaners compared to other local authorities across all years. In contrast, the boroughs of Lewisham, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering have seen high salary increases due to factors like improved transportation links, increased urban activity, and cost of living adjustments that have likely pushed wages upward.
Lewisham is a growing and dynamic borough in London, balancing urban development with its established residential area with good transport links. Similarly, for Barking and Dagenham, an East London borough, high demand for domestic cleaning—spurred by urban regeneration projects and new housing developments—may explain the substantial wage increases. Havering, another East London borough, saw a 30% increase in median salaries from FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23 and a further 20% increase the following year. In Copeland, a local authority in Cumbria in the Northwest of England, the high demand for domestic cleaning jobs driven by stringent hygiene standards due to its economic link to the Sellafield Nuclear site, also contributed to significant wage growth. Brexit-related labour shortages in low-skilled professions may have exacerbated this demand.
Figure 2: Demand for domestic workers and cleaners; SOC 9223
Source: Adzuna vacancy portal
Potential factors driving these changes
The reduced demand for domestic cleaners in the City of London likely accounts for the sharp decline in salaries and the modest 5% increase in recent years. Compared to more affordable boroughs like Lewisham, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, the City of London has limited residential space and a smaller population, which could have reduced demand for domestic cleaning services. This contrasts with the surrounding boroughs, where affordable housing attracts middle-income households more likely to afford house cleaning services. Additionally, Brexit-related labour shortages have driven up wages in low-wage sectors, including domestic cleaning, especially in residential areas outside central business districts, where competition for labour is higher.
Overall, salary increased by an average 14% and 17% in FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23 and FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24 respectively. This can be attributed to policy shifts and external factors affecting the UK economy. The pandemic likely triggered a heightened focus on hygiene, prompting households to prioritize regular cleaning and rely more on professional cleaning services. The shift from in-person to remote work has further driven demand for domestic cleaning, as more individuals spend increased time working from home. Additionally, Brexit’s impact on the UK economy reduced the availability of workers from Western Europe, many of whom traditionally filled domestic roles. According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, the end of free movement has particularly affected the low-wage labour force in the UK, contributing to recruitment challenges and placing supply-side pressure on the economy. Together, increased demand and limited labour supply have contributed to notable wage increases for domestic cleaners and workers.
Another intuitive factor leading to a boom in this market can be the strong presence of trade unions across the UK. Trade unions have actively advocated for better wages and improved working conditions for domestic workers, including migrants. Organizations like the Community Trade Union have focused on supporting migrant workers, addressing issues such as exploitation. Analysis from Office for National Statistics, (2022) highlights the ethnic composition of labour in elementary occupations, including cleaning and domestic work. It shows a higher representation of individuals from Black, Pakistani & Bangladeshi, other White, and other Asian backgrounds, supporting the hypothesis that these services are largely immigrant driven. However, job advertisement data may not fully capture wage disparities, especially among undocumented or informal workers who may still face exploitation and reduced pay. Accurately estimating the sector’s demand and economic impact will require additional efforts to account for these workers outside the formal job market.
IES is an independent, apolitical, international centre of research and consultancy in public employment policy and HR management. It works closely with employers in all sectors, government departments, agencies, professional bodies and associations. IES is a focus of knowledge and practical experience in employment and training policy, the operation of labour markets, and HR planning and development. IES is a not-for-profit organisation.
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