Cleaner, Cleaning Services

About the job

Cardiff Council Cleaning Services is seeking to appoint Cleaners to its Cleaning Team to provide a clean environment to both schools, educational establishments, and corporate council buildings throughout the Cardiff area.

These opportunities are based within schools or educational establishments. They provide flexibility around the school operating times and holidays. Cleaners typically work a minimum of 10 hours per week, Monday to Friday, for 38 weeks of the year when the school is open. Morning shifts are 6:00‑8:00 am and afternoon shifts are 3:15‑6:15 pm. Successful applicants are appointed to a fixed number of hours and shifts each week.

Additional hours may be offered in the mornings and afternoons across different school locations, and opportunities exist for work with the Council’s School Catering Service during the day at certain schools.

Cleaners are also required to carry out deep cleans—up to five weeks during school holidays such as October half‑term, Christmas break, February half‑term, Easter break or summer break—in preparation for the restart of the school. These weeks are scheduled at the start of each academic year in September.

Time off is not allowed during the school year or deep clean weeks, except for leave set out in the special leave provision. Salary includes pro‑rated payment for annual leave and public holidays.

Typical duties include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, polishing, hygiene cleaning, emptying bins and mechanical buffing. Cleaners receive a uniform, tabards/polo shirts, disposable gloves and are trained on health and safety, cleaning equipment, materials and site‑specific orientation. Refresher training is provided periodically.

• Hourly pay at the Living Wage level (£12.60/hour)
• Generous contributory pension
• Discounted access to certain Council Leisure Centres
• Discounted annual bus tickets
• Access to Cardiff Credit Union
• Discounted MOT testing for private vehicles
• Free library sign‑up and access to digital eBook platforms
• Other HR family‑friendly policy benefits

Opportunities for NVQ Level 1 Cleaning & Support Services Skills, and advancement to Chargehand, Site Supervisor and Service Delivery Supervisor.

• Physically fit, able to work intensively for the whole shift
• Good customer‑care attitude
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently

Candidates are encouraged to apply even without previous cleaning experience, as all required training will be provided.

Applicants may use either public transport or their own vehicle; willingness to travel can increase opportunities.

The Council welcomes applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Child Workforce Barred List check. Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities.