Cleaning is one of the most labour-intensive trades in the UK economy. The ONS counted 13,589 general building cleaning businesses in 2024, with turnover of £10.7bn. Staff costs took 60.4% of their turnover, more than in almost any other trade covered in these guides.
| 2024 | General cleaning of buildings | Specialist and industrial cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Businesses (VAT or PAYE registered) | 13,589 | 5,276 |
| Total turnover | £10.7bn | £1.9bn |
| Average turnover per business | £786,000 | £367,000 |
| Staff costs, % of turnover | 60.4% | 39.6% |
| Bought-in goods and services, % of turnover | 26.1% | 31.6% |
| Left after staff and bought-in costs, % of turnover | 13.5% | 28.8% |
| Stock held, in days of purchases | 11 days | 89 days |
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey, 2024 results (published 26 May 2026). It covers businesses registered for VAT or PAYE, so the smallest sole traders are not included. Averages are pulled up by the largest firms. For sole traders and partnerships, the owners’ own pay is not in staff costs: it comes out of what is left.
Specialist and industrial cleaning, such as window, chimney, deep and industrial cleaning, is a different business: it spends more on equipment and materials and much less on staff.
General cleaning of buildings: turnover rose 63% between 2019 and 2024, against a 24% rise in consumer prices, so it grew in real terms. The number of businesses rose 20%. Staff costs went from 58.8% to 60.4% of turnover, and what was left after staff and bought-in costs went from 18.0% to 13.5%.
Specialist and industrial cleaning: turnover rose 83% between 2019 and 2024, against a 24% rise in consumer prices, so it grew in real terms. The number of businesses rose 47%. Staff costs went from 34.8% to 39.6% of turnover, and what was left after staff and bought-in costs went from 30.3% to 28.8%.
For general cleaning, both the number of businesses and turnover grew strongly, but the share left after costs fell. With wages at around 60% of turnover, every rise in the National Living Wage flows almost straight through to costs.
Free Excel templates for time studies, debtor days and staff costs. Enter your email once and download them all.
Get the Free Templates →Want an independent view of your own numbers? See the Diagnostic Assessment.