Dirty work as window cleaners break law

A new study has revealed that that just one in five of the Capital's estimated 500 window cleaners comply with the rules.

The city council was today urged to tighten the system, with checks only rarely being carried out and some workers saying they have never been asked to produce their documents.

Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, every window cleaner in Scotland is required by law to have a licence. The system is designed to protect residents against crime, particularly housebreaking, as cleaners know when homeowners are out.

During the application process, window cleaners are required to undergo police checks on their suitability for the job, as well as meet health and safety requirements, such as being insured against personal accidents or damage to property.

The Scottish Licensed Window Cleaners Network (SLWCN) believes there are at least 550 cleaners in Edinburgh, but council figures show only 100 are licensed.

A minority of the cleaners are thought to be working while simultaneously claiming benefits, or carrying out jobs without declaring earnings, while others simply ignore the law.

Some traders today said the licensing system should be scrapped, as other trades - such as decorators - do not need to pay for a permit.

But the SLWCN wants the council and police to crackdown on those operating without a licence, possibly by hiring an enforcement officer.

Committee member and window cleaner Doug Atkinson, who will speak to Edinburgh councillors later this week, said: "Councils are relying on people's goodwill.

"Even though it is a crime to operate without a licence, and culprits face a fine, there are a huge number of cleaners who don't have one.

"But there is little public knowledge about the licences. Window cleaners have regular and direct access to people's properties."

Mr Atkinson's group aims to have more than 1000 members by next year, and plans to publish the details of licensed cleaners on its website. The group today also encouraged residents and businesses to demand licence details before handing over cash.

But Mark Bruce, a window cleaner with Craiglockhart-based firm Top Marks, said the system is a "waste of time", and he no longer pays for the 41 annual licence fee. "My licence expired three or four years ago and it hasn't made any difference," he said. "There was never any follow-up."

Peter Leckie, from Musselburgh-based Edinburgh Window Cleaners, does have a licence - but agreed it was "pointless".

He said: "It's an outdated system. There are thousands of people who have access to homes - such as decorators - why should window cleaners have to pay? It seems a bit unfair.

"I've never once been asked for my licence and I've been doing this job for seven or eight years."

A police spokesman said: "When it is brought to our attention that a window cleaner is operating without a licence, we will take the appropriate action."

The issue will be discussed at a regulatory committee on Friday.

Convener Councillor Colin Keir said: "We welcome the opportunity to hear from the Window Cleaners Network and we will carefully consider the issues that they want to highlight."

Rules are clear

WINDOW cleaners are required by law to submit an application to the city council for a licence.

The requirement falls under the 1982 Civic Government (Scotland) Act, and is similar to a range of other professions which also need to be licensed by the council.

Applications, which cost 41 for a year - due to rise to 44 from next year - are available by filling out a form on the council's website.

Prospective window cleaners are required to provide contact details and date of birth, and the area of Edinburgh they intend to operate in.

They also need to declare that safety precautions are in place. Finally, the applicant is required to supply details of any conviction in any court in the UK.