HOUSE OF COMMONS CLEANERS

Early day motion 673, tabled 8 February 2005 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 162 members.

That this House recognises the invaluable contribution made by House of Commons cleaners towards ensuring the smooth running of this House; is dismayed with the poor pay and working conditions of the cleaners who are paid a miserly ú4.85 per hour with only 12 days' paid holiday per annum, statutory sick pay only and no company pension; finds these employment terms and conditions shameful and totally unacceptable in 21st century Britain; wholeheartedly supports the claim made by the Transport and General Workers Union, who represent cleaners in the House, for better wages and improved working conditions; believes that the cleaners' claim should not be ignored or their work continued to be taken for granted; and urges the House authorities and the contractors that employ the cleaners to accept their claim for ú6.70 per hour, 20 days' paid holiday per annum, company sick pay and a company pension to ensure they receive a fair deal.

Signatures by party: Labour 109, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 13, DUP 6, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 4, Conservative 2, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.