Can my employee make me clean the the work place?

[smoggyuk]

I'm employed in sales/design/production at a sign manufacturer. The problem I have is ive never signed a contract with specific responsibilities.

Today the boss brought everyone together and told us that we would be put on a rota to made to clean kitchen (and I imagine it's only going to be a matter of time before toilets become part of the rota).

We have never had cleaning staff but every now, when work allows, someone will give the place a tidy up. I don't think cleaning should be part of my job. And feel my duties are quite diverse as they are.

I am always happy to help anyone out, even going well out ofmy way. But I don't feel cleaning is something I should have to do. Can a boss make you clean? Or is it his responsibility to do it or hire cleaning staff?

[welshlibranr]

I would just be happy to have work smoggyuk, and if that mens cleaning the toilets.......then so be it!.....you have a job!........

[trt]

I cant believe the water is often brown smoggyuk, not in 2012?.

[joko]

what kind of cleaning are we talking here? washing up the mugs, wiping down the surfaces and maybe hoovering once a week?

or thorough disinfectant-ing everywhere, defrosting the freezer, buffing the floor, washing windows etc?

if the first then, the people who use the kitchen should do that ... the boss could just refuse access, and close the facility down.

i must admit id be peeved if, as a boss, i had to hire extra staff to do extra cleaning - more than usual.

you should tidy your own desk etc

but i dont think you should be hoovering the whole office, washing doors and fittings etc, or using industrial machinery etc, or cleaning loos...

[LoftyLottie]

Agreed Joko. A good post.

[nannybooby]

If you use it whats wrong with cleaning it ?

[ganesh]

O dear,round in circles-it is not his job to clean the entire office,and especially the toilets ,floors and windows etc.even if he uses them.His employer should have a cleaner,it would cost very little,as we have said only about £25 a week for a couple of hours.His company is big enough to warrant one and quite honestly the place sounds very unhygienic,if there is no cleaning,and he apparently is making plenty of money.Tell him to fix the water supply as well because that sounds very unsanitary as well!

[TWR]

It would not worry or bother me Smoggy, I've done a few things in my life, as long as it paid the bills & I can get a brew, well, what the hell it all brings night.

[Old_Geezer]

IMO if you were not taken on as cleaning being part of the job you ought not be subject to it being imposed at a later date without your uncompelled agreement. But in my experience an employer imposes whatever they desire and you can either lump it or leave in the hope of finding employment elsewhere quickly.

[grasscarp]

I have always done whatever I have been asked to do over the years. As long as they are paying my wages I dont actually care what the task is. In fact I sit down in front of a computer too much and I wish I did have some less sedentery tasks as well!

[rain657]

shocking. cleaning your own space is one thing but i would have thought that health and safety would come into it if you were asked to clean toilets, that is disgusting. also, what if you had a reaction to cleaning products or hurt yourself while cleaning. the employer would have full liability unless you have signed a disclaimer to say that this is part of your daily/weekly job description. tell them to shove it.