Singapore has set aside 2 million Singapore dollars (about 1.4 million U.S. dollars) to fund the cleaning industry, local media reported on July 29.
According to local radio 938live, the Workforce Development Agency has set aside the fund for the Best Sourcing Initiative (BSI) Early Adopters Scheme for the cleaning industry. This is a new initiative that awards cleaning contracts based on performance and quality, instead of solely on price.
The fund will be used to defray cost incurred in the adoption of BSI practices as organizations pay more for better quality service.
For a start, the program will target organizations in the cleaning, building maintenance, security and landscaping sectors.
At the same time, to protect workers from injuries, a new workplace safety and health guidelines was also released on Wednesday to provide cleaning contractors and companies with technical information and tips on workplace safety and health practices for cleaning activities.
This includes identifying work hazards and preventive measures that can be used by employers and workers.
Singapore's labor movement and its partners said the two initiatives would help to improve the jobs and lives of cleaners.
