Billingsgate Market cleaning staff to be outsourced

The City of London Corporation’s decision to transfer cleaning roles to a private company comes just weeks after it announced plans to outsource cleaning staff at the Old Bailey.

Cleaning staff at Billingsgate Market, who are currently employed by the City of London Corporation, will have their roles transferred to outsourcing giant Mitie.

GMB Union, which represents staff employed at the historic market, are disappointed by the decision.

Mitie have a track record of poor pay and conditions, including underpaying workers and withholding pay.

The Corporation recently announced its intention to close Billingsgate Market in 2028, after plans to relocate it were abandoned.

Anna Lee, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“It is very disappointing that the Corporation have decided to outsource yet another service.

“The cleaning staff here are loyal, hard working people who have already had their future thrown into question with the scheduled closure of the market in 2028.

“The Corporation spent millions on a relocation plan for Billingsgate and Smithfield. It seems they are now trying to save money by targeting low paid workers.

“GMB are calling on them to retain this service to give these staff some security at an uncertain time.”

A GMB member said:

“We are angry not only at the market closing, but about being sold out by the City.

“They don’t care about the staff. We are just disposable.”