The cleaning sector

Cleaning is generally considered part of the unskilled labour sector. This sector employs a large proportion of women, part-time employees and older workers. It is dynamic: its turnover, 15 billion euros in 2015, increased by 65% over the last ten years, due to the massive outsourcing of the support functions in companies. This growth was markedly higher than that of all business services. Due to the large percentage of wages in value added, the margin rate is low in this sector (10%). However, it has turned around since thanks to the rise in the tax credit for competitiveness and employment and the establishment of the Responsibility and Solidarity Pact. Similarly, while remaining modest, capital intensity is increasing, due to the rise of specialised cleaning, which is a heavier user of technological equipment. Large companies account for one third of the sector’s activity; they leave a significant market share to other companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.