Our founder Chantelle has first hand knowledge and experience of the ongoing stigma and stereotypical tropes individuals face working within the cleaning sector. Chantelle’s late mother Rose was a former domestic and commercial cleaning lady, spanning three decades.
It is widely reported how cleaning sector staff and marginalised domestic workers in UK and abroad are exposed to poor working conditions and often mistreated, over-looked and underpaid. There is statistical evidence that suggests the cleaning sector is an industry that is deemed an easy target, thus used as a means to exploit and mislead people who are trapped in vulnerable circumstances via human trafficking. As a result, Rosie Bloom Cleaning Services are diligent in our responsibility to identify and tackle any form of modern day slavery.
Another unfortunate fact we must consider to eliminate, is the classist and elitist mindset, whether consciously or sub-consciously, that contributes to the outdated misconceptions of individuals who are in this line of work by choice and not by force. Rose was a single divorcee who settled in Borough & Bermondsey and raised 6 children and died blessed with 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Cleaning gave her independence and a chance to work and live life on her own flexible terms.
Despite challenges that came her way - Rose led an abundant lifestyle fine dining out and home dining in, cooking delightful traditional Jamaican and British cuisine and baked gorgeous cakes every Christmas; a recipe passed down from her mother Ionie, raisins and fruits soaking in rum on top of the fridge from early November. Her interests included Art and reading Literature, listening to various genres of music and she danced and boogied along the way attending concerts and gigs. She watched every season on the Tennis calendar and attended Wimbledon on a few occasions alongside our Marie O Connell. Rose loved watching Football and Horse Racing and popped into the bookies every Saturday morning to put a few bets on.
From 1987, Rose organised large party family and friends trips travelling once a year to Mediterranean beach destinations up until year 2000. From then thereafter, Rose was set to explore her origins and travelled to the Caribbean. To sum it up in a nutshell - the travel brochure became her bible, treat and reward. Working within the cleaning sector can offer short-term and long term stability and is a stepping stone for many, particularly those in transition, trying to progress and work towards a specific goal.
We are taking genuine steps to help humanise and revolutionise the cleaning industry in our little own way and recognise the notorious low rates in pay. To further re-enforce and reflect our commitment and principles, we are an accredited member of the independent organisation The Real Living Wage Foundation. Our founder firmly believes hourly rates and pay must realistically reflect financial demands in increased cost of living for all.
“ Rosie Bloom Cleaning Services endeavors to support the emotional, mental and physical well-being of our team, all whom are women raising families and contributing to this economy. We pay our ladies in support of the London Living Wage, above the recommended rate. A well deserved human right for putting in a days work.”