Minimum wage, including travel
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates go up every April (GOV.UK). Travelling from one work assignment to another counts as working time for the minimum wage; travel between home and work does not (GOV.UK: travel time).
When the contract changes hands
Cleaning is often done under contract. When a cleaning service moves to a new contractor, TUPE can protect you: your job usually transfers to the new company, with your terms and conditions and your continuity of employment (GOV.UK: TUPE).
Breaks and holiday
Workers over 18 usually have the right to a 20-minute rest break if they work more than 6 hours a day (GOV.UK: rest breaks), and most workers are entitled to paid holiday, including people on part-time and irregular hours (GOV.UK: holiday entitlement). Cleaners working in a private home aren't entitled to the extra rest breaks given for health and safety reasons.
Adjustments
If you're disabled or have a health condition, you can ask the employer for adjustments at any stage of applying, including in a screening.
Questions people ask
Is travel between cleaning jobs paid?
Travelling from one work assignment to another counts as working time for the minimum wage. Travel between home and work does not.
What happens to my job if the cleaning contract changes company?
TUPE can protect you. When a cleaning contract moves to a new contractor, your job and terms and conditions usually transfer to the new company.
Sources
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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