EY Cleaners in London Protest Over Potential Job Cuts

Demanding working conditions and potential dismissals impact everyone employed with the Big Four, including those responsible for cleaning.

At Ernst & Young, cleaners stationed at their London locations have been informed that more than a third of their positions are endangered, impacting approximately 20 individuals.

These workers aren't on EY's payroll directly; instead, janitorial services are managed by Mitie, a UK contractor. Union representatives indicated about 48 out of 55 janitors have ceased work to demonstrate.

Approximately 20 protesters assembled outside EY’s Canary Wharf office one afternoon, their chants and noise distinctly audible even two blocks away, interrupting the midday calm around the typically immaculate business district.

Nearby, two men in business attire leisurely enjoyed drinks, observing as demonstrators vocally opposed the proposed 37% reduction in cleaning staff, demanding improved conditions for contractors.

The group was accompanied by members of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), a union that supports them.

Picket lines are active at both the Canary Wharf location and at EY's main office on London Bridge, starting from Tuesday and continuing throughout the week, with plans to resume next week, as per union announcements.

"Despite EY's partners earning an average of £723,000 annually, cleaners are significantly underpaid at £13.85 per hour, and now over a third face redundancy," stated Henry Chango Lopez, head of IWGB.

Struggle of Long-term Employees

Rosa Jarrin, a veteran cleaner of 15 years, expressed to Business Insider her concerns, stating, "I work tirelessly, regardless of my health."

When contemplating the aftermath of losing her job, she became visibly upset, highlighting the uncertainty and hardship it would cause.

"I feel very uncertain as my job provides my livelihood. I wish to continue until retirement," she shared.

IWGB mentioned that the cleaners were already overwhelmed with work before the layoff news. They fear that fewer staff will now shoulder even greater burdens.

Mitie has modified the hours, complicating childcare and forcing some workers to juggle multiple jobs, Chango Lopez communicated.

Jimena Rosero, employed for two years in EY's cleaning team, noted that Mitie proposed extending her shifts without clarifying future workload.

"I queried, ‘What happens if I stay? Does this mean I'm responsible for cleaning double the area if my colleagues are let go?’" she relayed.

Mitie is in discussions with the cleaners and their union representatives regarding these adjustments, according to a company spokesperson.

As per UK regulations, a 30-day consultation is necessary when redundancies affect 20 or more workers.

"We are aiding staff during this tough period by exploring redeployment possibilities within our consultation process," said a Mitie spokesperson.

An email exchange reveals the union received disparate explanations for the proposed downsizing—be it to secure client contracts, convert part-time to full-time, or enhance service delivery.

The reduction comes as EY copes with a post-COVID contraction in consulting demand while transitioning business operations to align with AI advancements.

Although specific UK business results are undisclosed, the EMEIA region's growth slowed to 6.9% for the year ending June 2024, a decline from 16.9%, with EY's UK consulting arm shedding 150 jobs.

Under Janet Truncale's leadership, EY is undergoing extensive reorganization of its divisions.

EY verified to Business Insider that Mitie handles their facilities management in the UK, confirming the consultation phase is in progress.