Leaderboard

Hey all, been trying to keep up on this topic, which is quite hard right now with the volume of posts being added each day. I just want to make a note here that there isn't a right or wrong answer this situation is very complicated indeed. Yes it's easy to say we should all stay in and yes we should but there are many factors and even if we disagree should not be attacking others decisions. This evening for example I went out in my car to meet my son for a walk. Should I have under the current announcements? Probably not being he lives in a different house and not another parents house. (care home) BUT he is severely autistic and really doesn't understand any of this current situation. All he knows is he was seeing us twice a week and now not at all! How he communicates his frustration is by beating 10 bells of **** out of himself untill he lands himself in hospital. So as you can see the simple answer is don't go out stay at home protect everyone, myself and my son. But if he doesn't see me he will resort to extreme self harm most likely put his staff in danger and end up in hospital at even higher risk of catching/spreading. We have literally been to hell and back in the last week alone with this decision from legal advice to making a whole best interest decision with the local NHS, care team and councils legal team along with our own worries and doubts for and against this decision. There is no perfect right or wrong answer just a least damaging one. What I am trying to demonstrate is that for every individual it is a very complicated, stressful and worrying time. We can all read the guidelines and take our own decisions. Yes there are those that are still out gathering and having a good old catch up with not a care in the world but most are just trying their best to figure out a way through as sensibly as they can for their own individual situation. Let's be kind to each other and not judge one person's views or decisions over another's. I haven't posted this for sympathy and very rarely share my personal life here but it's currently a good example of the complexity of all this for all individuals. Choose Kindness

Wish they would just call a full lockdown apart from essential workers. That would put an end to the moral dilemma

I'm not, although that is for the sake of my youngest son. He has a chronic lung condition and is high risk. We have been isolating for a few days now,only me or my partner leaving the house to get essentials from the small local shops. From tomorrow we are going into a self imposed quarantine for 12 weeks. Going to be very tough but it's a small price to pay for my sons well being. I've text all of my customers and all bar a few have wished me and the family well. If I lose customers over it they are not the sort of customers that I want anyway. Best wishes to all.

That really was not meant to be the 'take-away' points from the all of the supplied information The points were: 1. A standard carbon pole regularly used on domestic work will always produce carbon residue at some point - wearing gloves is the only way of ensuring it does not stain your hands. 2. Cleaning a pole and pole hose even once it has started to wear and produce black residue will always reduce the amount of black residue produced - treating with PTFE will also help. It is a balance for each user to decide how much cleaning they want to do against how long they want the pole to last. 3. The technology does already exist to make a pole much less prone to wear and produce black residue - downside it does cost a lot more and most users would not want to spend that on an everyday pole. The price point of the SLX range is about the limit for 95% of our client base. New technology may also help in the future and we are working on it, but again there may be a cost impact for such improvements. 4. Customer Service - we really prioritize good customer service and work hard providing our customers with products and solutions that make their working life better. We also try and provide quality information and support after a purchase to help them get the best from their products. The hour I spent composing the 'quoted reply' was my way of showing good customer service to you

Many thanks guys. This is one roller coaster ride I did everything to try and protect myself and got it. My wife now thinks she has it so hard days ahead. Much appreciate the support and all those as well going through the hard times. Stay positive

Hi all. My first post and what a time to do it! 5 years a windy, doing it the old fashioned way. Not kicking butt out there but making an honest living enough... or was. Think this post is most probably the most pressing/important one to get rolling unfortunately. Lots of views on the topic and this is just my little two pennies worth. There's no definitive answer to be gained from social networks and bits of press snippets. What the government says has to be followed for a coordinated plan otherwise its chaos, indecision and in-fighting. They have all sorts of organizations, departments and planners formulating there overall plan. 3d modelling of where it might all go and much much more. Their current advice on .Gov reads absolutely we can and should work being that we're not on the prohibited list as far as I've read on there - If you cannot work from home, that we're not showing any symptoms and can follow their guidelines to keep ourselves and others safe as possible while doing our work. I for one, didn't work for the first couple of days after Boris's original speech concerning the lockdown. Like us all had no idea of finacial help at that time but I would of followed through all the same. 'Doing what I'm told/advised'. Thing is I've been watching and reading intensively ever since and his original message of essential/key workers has been dropped altogether. The government website spells it out a lot clearer now and indeed we are allowed to work as are other business's and trades if you go by that websites advice to the public which I am personally, not hearsay and social sites. Principles and morals might be another matter, some can affford, some can't there, but others are being a little more rational to their own plight for now and the very long term. Throughout the many posts on this thread I've not really read too many thorough plans to lessen the chance of contamination in our work. Personally, I work alone, I've set up running water in my van, which means I soap and wash my hands just how the guidelines advise. I do this before I start a job and after too, before eating, drinking all sorts of times through the day. I've hand sanitizer on me for any inbetweens moments. I take cash mainly and pick it up off the floor or wherever with a dog poop bag. Throw that into a large bag in the van and won't touch for a number of days. Use another poop bag for the next house and so on. My customers know I'm coming so, I'm not having to touch many gates, bins or whatever cus I've pre-planned with my customers. If I do touch something obviously frequently used, I'm doing it where they are very unlikely to of been touched recently (say nudge a bin with my leg, swing a gate open from the bottom, then I use my sanitizer anyway. I only work local and don't go to work out of my small town. My van is filled to the brim with diesel so won't be back and forth to the pumps especially with small local mileage. I've done other precautions too, but my virgin post is an essay enough already lol. What I'm really trying to say, is its not immoral or unprincipled to be guided by your government's and their advisors/partners advice here. Even Dr, Hillary said the other day we are low risk workers lol and if you take extreme precaution in some shape or form at work as I do you can plod along making some sort of living even its nowhere near what it was due to all this messing about as I'm doing. This is a long term problem, hence the strategy put into action by the government and by me personally. This strategy also involves people's personal economic futures as well as that of the country which I want to do well but obviously with the least number of tragic health outcomes as is realistically feasible. Absolutely repects folks who down tools for their own principles/beliefs/reasons but I also repect the flip side individuals opinions on here as I feel no one is actually wrong currently. I'll add when the policy given to Jo public changes again I'll be following to the letter as best I understand it and as best I can. If im off work from there on I'll have to deal with that shaky bridge then. Till then or till plod wrongly stops me I'll continue plugging away safely as possible making the best of a very dire situation. Cheers without the beers!

I agree I’ll bare my finances for people to see. Just to give an example of the kind of situations some people may be In. I have £164.11 in the bank and £29.15 in savings. In the next 7 working days I have £495 private rent, £70 credit card debt and £17 water bill. Plus have to buy food and essentials. Thats just the essentials not including the £38 internet/phone. And £70 insurance to be paid the week after. (Wife’s work has been cancelled) I know some people are going to say I should’ve saved or worked harder or whatever, but not everyone is always in a position where they can save for a rainy day. So personally I’m going to have to work this and next week. Not because I want to. Simply because I have to. I truly do feel sorry for people who are effected by the virus and all the videos of people asking to stay home do upset me. But what else can I do until self employed people are helped out?

Ok. I have decided after all to stay at home. I have changed my mind. Stay safe people, if you must go out.

I have been really quiet on the forum recently, but ive been keeping very busy. As some of you may remember i bought a little Vauxhall Combo if Nov and wrecked it in January, so gave me the push i needed to get my bigger van that i wanted this year, and i plumped for a Vauxhall Vivaro, well ive just had it all sign written and ive even gone all flash Harry and got me a personal plate My initials are JSS and my business is Holt Window Cleaning Services, so when i saw J55 HWC for £300 all in i couldnt resist. And today i had to sub out part of a job to another local windy that was to big for me alone in a day, and this guy was good enough to sell me pure before i had my set up, and hes giving me 1/2 of a huge job he has next week that he cant do alone. Not bad for a lad that this time last year just had an idea and was slogging my guts out 50hrs a week for minimum wage

I am sure you are but when you say what you said below it isn't helping We will go on lockdown because London was allowed to continue to party and travel on packed trains for too long, not because someone is working within Government guidelines. You and others on here that are preaching to people that are in fairly dire financial situations doesn't help. Instead of posting nasty comments you would be better off writing to your MP or volunteering to help

This forum has been invaluable since i started as a windy last year, this issue is NEVER going to have the whole forum agreeing but what i will say is that while theres disagreements its mostly people agreeing to disagree, if you wanna see bitchieness and nastiness between windys the just go on the uk window cleaning page on FaceBook, ive removed myself from the group as i just cany ne doimg with it on there, its like a playground

I am sure this will upset a few and this is not aimed at anyone in general or on here.I appreciate that some are new to this or the main income provider for their house or they may have been off ill and generally struggling and I feel for them. But the amount of so called big hitters and braggers, the £300-450 a day bunch that are struggling after 4 days and trying to justify going to a work is a joke. I am full commercial it has hit my business like a train. The amount of uk window cleaners even near me who are reposting videos of Nicola Sturgeon saying they can work are the exact same ones who would cry and be up in arms if a window cleaning licence was introduced down here like they have in Scotland. You can not break the chain of a virus if you don't isolate and keep yourself away from it, it's as simple as that.Until a vaccine is found isolating and minimising contact is the only thing to slow it down.China had a complete total lock down and it took them 3-4 months.We are a very long way from ending this here. The government aren't going to be giving money away for nothing for us to sit at home. Once this is all over the chancellor has already said they want it back so a tax increase will be very likely for the self employed. Take care.

I know it’s an emotional time but get off your high horse mate, you don’t know what precautions and measures I’ve implemented into my business in the last week. No wonder people don’t post on public forums. Keyboard warriors everywhere.

Dean, the best and most responsible response I've seen. Thank you for being considerate of everyone else (including your family who are at home with you!) by not continuing to potentially spread the virus unnecessarily. People are taking the government's words out of context. Now is the time to act and do your part. Forget about pride and an extra week's work - grin and bare it like everyone else. Window cleaning is not essential, end of. Be hopeful we will get financial support to cover loss of earnings, soon. Time will tell! Stay safe and do your part.

He Said you can travel to and from work if necessary..? Well it’s necessary I earn a living because the government are not really helping the self employed.

Monumentally bad idea. Clearly the government’s message isn’t getting through. I am a part time window cleaner, when I’m not doing that I am a front line anaesthetic technician at a hospital. I have seen what is going on in the hospitals and let me make it clear, it’s time to be seriously serious about this, it’s not just old people that are being affected so don’t think you are immune. Do not put yourselves in situations that you don’t need to, you have no idea what’s behind that door. To be honest if you came to my door whilst there was implicit instructions to stay away from each other I’d probably throw closest heavy object at you. You may think I’m over reacting, I’m not. This is real, you need to get real.

It is good to see that everyone is concerned with their heath and well being - this type of attitude leads to high quality product choices and decisions at work affecting our health. The wearing of gloves should always be included as basic PPE when window cleaning regardless of the method being used (ladders/buckets or poles/pure water). There are so many contaminants when working out and about that gloves should always be used - I started wearing gloves simply to protect my hands and keep them clean. This was when just working with fibre glass and aluminum poles and aluminum ladders. Anyone who cares about their health and hygiene should be wearing gloves at work. Carbon Fibre - at this time the scientific community do not class carbon fibre or carbon fibre particles as 'carcinogenic' or as a 'hazardous substance'. It does however warn against inhaling such dust particles in the same way that it warns about inhaling house dust or any other dust produced in large quantities. If you are producing carbon fibre dust in such volumes as to be inhaled in quantity then you would need to risk assess and work at introducing control measures such as are used in factories that regularly work with and machine carbon fibre products. Carbon Fibre particles are not classed as hazardous to the skin. If you decide to set fire to the carbon fibre in your poles then it is advised to avoid inhaling the fumes that the product will give off. Carbon Fibre has only been used regularly in industry for the last 50 years or so - if in time, scientific opinion changes on the nature of carbon fibre then all of us in the carbon fibre industry and particularly in the manufacturing processes associated with it would be very interested. If anyone has further concerns about Carbon Fibre it would be best to contact the various scientific bodies that have been involved in its development and testing over the years and look into the medical research associated with this.

I don't think it would stagnate, there's always plenty to talk about. The same obvious question (What do I need to start up and how much will it cost?) is asked on a weekly basis I'd say. Sometimes several times a week by different people. Nothing wrong with that but it can be be very wearing when several of us have to keep repeatedly answering the same question with our more often than not, at least slightly different answers. I think folk need to do some in depth studying before asking so at least they will have some idea of what is what. If we ask advice it's good manners to give feedback to those that gave it, yet few do. I have offered to go through the equipment and give hands on coaching on two occasions In the past year to people who have asked about starting, on this forum. This help was offered free as we all have to start somewhere. On both occasions I wasted my time. One (a local taxi driver) came along, seemed very enthusiastic. My son and I coached him thoroughly for an hour. All the while he was getting texts from his girlfriend harassing him to take her shopping which was interrupting the flow and wasting our time. He was going to start after getting back from a holiday. We would even have lent him some of our spare (but in good order) equipment Never heard from him again. The other guy was from further away (two hours) . I spent a fair bit of time advising him on the phone and offered him a day's coaching on all the aspects of the equipment and techniques. I made plans to teach him as much as possible in a day due to the travelling distance. He never came up. Folk need to make a serious effort. Do some in depth prior research. If they are offered a day's training with an experienced operator, be very grateful, take a day off work and jump to it. I would have loved the opportunity of some coaching when I started six years ago. An observation of mine : A lot of the time people want something until it's available. And the easier it's made for them the less it's valued. Bit of a rant, but I felt it needed to be said. Ahem! Just saying like.

If you are doing a decent job and a nice bloke to talk to and they trust . TRUST ME you will not lose even 1 customer . I find when people have a window cleaner they become a friend and someone they can trust ………..they don't move over to other window cleaners easily everyone you cant contact will guess at why your not coming . DONT WORRY at all , it will all be there for you to go back to at the end of the summer . Yes END OF SUMMER as that is how long this is going to go on for ……..you can write summer off .

Well if you can think for yourself then you should know that the vast majority of people will survive this. Tragically some will die, including some that don't appear to have any other ailments. I am humble as unlike you I don't believe I am better than anyone else and I also don't believe it is my place to lecture others.

I think there is far too much judging going on in this forum by some people. None of us know other people's positions as to the need for them to work so to say its "morally wrong" for someone to work I really think is too far. Personally I did 3 large isolated jobs yesterday that I pre arranged with, turned up cleaned left and they pay online. Not for one second did I feel worried about getting infected or passing it on. As a contrast tho later on I went to the supermarket and the whole time I felt mildly terrified as people suddenly appeared right next to me and every item I picked up I wondered who had touched it before me. I know you can say getting food is essential but to some still working may be. I've decided that yesterday is my last day as I'm happy I can now get by ok and feel pressures by others opinions. Do work or don't work as long as those that do are very careful and the customers are happy with it no one should be saying its "mostly wrong" in my opinion. Just respect each other guys.

So here goes....... I've been following the thread like everyone naturally worried about my income and my business. I am hopefuly unless the government throw a curveball one of the 95% that will get the payment in June. I have read all the arguing/exchanges/heated discussions whatever you wnat to call it on here on shall I work shall I not. At the risk of upsetting some for the record I wont mention names but I find it funny that some members that have the bulshy attitude of having to keep working to survive are the same ones that have in previous posts over the years claimed they earn so much every day that surely the government saying even if u sit at home we will give you 80% of your pay could afford to do that! Or maybe all the bull sh$!testers realise at times like this that made up money wont pay the Bill's! Indeed most of us have already learnt full money for a big chunk of march already and can now defer tax due in July to next January. I do feel very sorry for those who have just started or fall outside the eligibility and understand a determination to keep working but please do anything other than work. I say this because I have a neighbour who has family who live in spain who we are apparently 2-3 weeks behind. They have told him how the sport centres in towns have been turned into morgues to cope with the bodies. Warehouses that the Spanish are calling warehouses of death as so many that go into these make shift hospitals dont come out alive. As one of my customers who is an A&E nurse told me last week this country has no idea what's going to hit it by mid june and she said do anything to avoid being out your house unless you must to protect your family. What is coming is truly horrific and she also added those who think it's going to just be the old or people with health problems is kidding themselves. For me there is no point in having a bit more money if I'm dead or a close loved one is. And for the person who said going grocery shopping is more of a risk than window cleaning your probably right but what planet do you live on if you think window cleaning is essential? Grocery shopping when you absolutely have too is but dirty windows ain't . Whether I agree or disagree with you all or have offended any of you sorry. But I hope you and your families stay safe and wish you luck in the coming months. Take care all

I saw this. My point is this. Anyone and everyone could manipulate the essential bit to suit there own needs. The more people on the street the longer it will take. Just because Barry the gardener is out as normal shouldn't open the floodgates for everyone else. Nobody knows who's got this and the sooner folk actually listen to the advice of 'stay at home' the sooner we all get back to work. Now the majority are getting paid 80% of our wage to stay at home why do we need to go out unless your going to volunteer to help in the NHS or your going to do a vital essential job in the NHS or logistics. I understand this doesn't help everyone but ring the council,gas ,water etc and they will hold your bills until your back on your feet. Also I am worried if I go out and advertise my van whilst actively working at the minute I risk being singled out as irresponsible and it only takes a few photos on Facebook and your business is getting bad name real quick. Personally until I'm told to go out I'm heeding the warning, stopping insode where at all possible and from the response from my customers from a text I sent on Tues they seem to agree it's the right thing to do. I'll have a business to go back to, I'll earn from the first day of work and in the mean time it will be hard but knowing money is on the way helps in these weird few weeks.

I think if you go back you actually started shouting at me and heavily criticising someone else first. I'm not on here to argue but I won't be shouted at or sit quietly watching someone have a go at someone else because they disagree with them. I disagree with loads of posts on here but accept the fact that everyone has a right to an opinion.

How can you not see anyone’s problem ? I’ve been self employed for 8 month . Make £600+ a week . Have a partner who is currently on maternity leave so out of work atm . Bills are just under £2000 a month which are all on me as partner doesn’t work just now . So now I have to live off of £94 a week universal credit ? Yeah don’t know how you can’t see that as a PROBLEM !!!

Morning everyone! I don't know about you all but I've been going to bed with my head buzzing every night since the PM's speech... I think I'd be right by saying we are all morally on the same plane and most aren't going in purely for those reasons. We know we're doing it for the right reasons. I can stay off work for a few weeks at a push, but I don't think I've ever been more worried about my families financial security. I keep thinking, surely the government will help...then silently begging them to quickly. Keep your chins up all

The problem here is that most people won’t follow suggestions and only follow strong law. Same happened in Italy + Spain. Government ent suggests staying at home without instructing firm laws, people carry on walking around in parks, going shopping , strolling around more than ever now that they’re off work and weather is nice. Self employed mostly carry on as don’t want to miss out on the dollar and haven’t been firmly advised otherwise. 90% of the public need someone else to take decisions for them. If everyone would have stuck to the suggestion and had a look at other countries that didn’t take notice in the first weeks we probably would be 100 times better off. Instead we had marathons and concerts while other countries were locking down. We had last nights out at pubs and clubs, yesterday the final Big Mac run at McDonald’s. Now the next stop will be instructing everyone to put tools down and possibly stop strolling as people just can’t make that decision by themselves. Everyone should be having thinking about the WE in the nation and stop thinking about how much money YOU could personally lose. We all know how tough it is being self employed and how much money we are all going to lose. But the longer we stretch out the interpretation of the law the longer this will carry on. Everyone is in their right to carry on working I wouldn’t judge anyone. But please just have a look at whats happening and happened in other countries. We’re only at the start here. Stay safe everyone.

There does seam to be more clarification but where I am several firms that do deliveries have had there vehicles burned out , I certainly don’t approve of that but common science still needs to prevail , it’s safer to stay at home and prevent the possibility of spreading / catching this one of my friends wife’s is a nurse at a local hospital and has been sent home due to having symptoms , it we stay home it will help reduce the likelihood of adding to the problem , my eldest daughter is a paramedic and she said the local hospital is a bursting point with no spare beds , so what happens if we get ill ?..doesn’t look good , not worth the risk for a few thousand pounds

Lol you need to get a grip mate ,the advice is crystal clear STAY AT HOME UNLESS YOU ARE A KEY WORKER YOU AND I ARNT KEY WORKERS , I accept the likelihood of us contacting or passing it on is very unlikely but with peoples attitudes like yours this is why we are in the situation we are in . I you turned up at my door when I had been sent home from work you would find yourself being instantly sacked and you details put all over social media , you need to see the bigger picture my friend there will always be windows to clean but might not be you or I tk di them if this isnt taken seriously , better to be safe than sorry , most of our customers are happy fir us to carry on but when I explain the situation to them they understand and agree it’s unwise to carry on ,

Give me 80% like everyone els and I’m staying home, treat me like a second class citizen and I’ll work like one every day to provide for my family. I have no idea why we are being treated like this...

South Yorkshire Police replied to my message: "Hi Laurie. The police are using the same guidelines as are available to yourself on the gov.uk website. The government are only wanting people to leave their homes if it is absolutely necessary. It is not essential for people to have their windows cleaned. The government guidelines are temporary and have been implemented to keep people safe and ease the pressure on the NHS which will allow severely ill patients to receive the care they need. The more time you spend out of your house, the higher the risk of contracting Covid-19 is to yourself. It also increases the risk of you spreading it to other people (you may already be infected and not know as not everyone displays symptoms). The government have introduced financial support for self-employed people and we suggest that you explore these options instead of continuing to work for the time being." It's a pretty clear stance. I pointed out the parts of GOV website that were confusing like: "it is important for businesses to carry on" and "Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue" But they are still saying that only essential workers should be traveling. At least that's pretty clear, so I'll be using that if, in a future date I get told that I should have been working.

Actually, the idea is to self isolate to drag it out longer to relieve the stress on the NHS. It would be over a lot faster if everyone ignored the advice but a lot more people would die. I agree with your post but I think people ought to be prepared for the long haul. You could quote the GOV website instead of the sun, as that explicitly says you can work. Which is completely at odds with everything else. I've messaged the South Yorkshire Police FB page to ask them to clarify the contradiction between GOV website advice and reports of Windys being told to go home. If they reply then I'll post it on here.

In the following three posts i will try as best i can to keep a list of the most relevent OFFICIAL info for everyone. The first post is general info Second post is UK announcements and speeches Third post is Scotland announcements and speeches I will update these posts as much as i can with new info so please keep an eye. GENERAL INFO BUSINESS SUPPORT GOV SITE https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/ Full guidance on staying at home and away from others https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others Further businesses and premises to close: guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for employees, employers and businesses https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses Keeping your business open https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19#keeping-your-business-open SCOTLAND INFO https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ World Health Organisation Info https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

I’ve just faced timed my 10 year old daughter, who lives with her mother, I haven’t seen her in a week and still another 3 to go as they are all in isolation because her mother has shown symptoms of the virus.Now let me get this straight I can’t stand the bloody women hence why we’re divorced, I suppose most can’t stand their ex’s but I still talk to her and I certainly don’t want her to die ,I’ve just spoke to her for a moment and she looks and sounds absolutely terrible, constantly coughing says she’s got very high temperature, a banging headache, aching all over and even struggling to breathe at times. I am going to struggle financially as I am sure everyone on here is,but anyone on here who is going to peoples houses and cleaning windows needs to have a word with themselves. It’s killing people and making people very,very ill. You can take all the precautions you like, wear gloves, ask them to open gates but this virus finds away. Just bite the bullet for a few weeks. I just wish Boris had been more clearer to save all this confusion and arguments. I’ve texted most of my customers and every single one of them have praised me, some even giving me the money now for future cleans. They know it’s going to hit us hard in the pocket but health and family come first for me and should for everyone else on here .

Screw them. Everyone knows me round here and I couldn't give a toss if someone wants to badmouth me. My work is built on recommendations and personal relationships built up sround here not what an idiot says on social media.

Well I've just received some "good" news, just been awarded a £6k a year contract that they want us to start asap. This will yield £4k+ a year profit after travel and hotel expenses for 12 days a year of work. Only one slight problem it's in Uxbridge in London Told them the earliest we could start, if safe to do so, was July and they said that's fine.

The problem with non essential workers (us, gardeners etc) still grafting, is other non essential workers will see them and think ‘we’ll if they can do it so can I’. Now the first person might be being careful (however they are deluded if they think it’s 100% safe), but the second person,who is influenced by the first,might not be so careful. One little mistake (pushing a gate the postman, milkman has touched), the customer goes out for their exercise, pushes the gate, you do the maths. It doesn’t matter which way your thought process works, it’s better for the greater good to stay at home. Stay safe fellow windies.

I text half my customers last night but the mobile network was so slow I had to leave the other half till today. I’ve said it’s very confusing as the steer from the government is not clear. I’m overwhelmed by the replies all agreeing it’s a tough decision but the right thing to do. All of them saying they will see me when I’m back up and running. Not a single grumble. It’s also surprised me as some customers I have very little contact with and are almost strangers to me have been quite gushing with their compliments and loyalty.

i've decided after today that's me finished for the next few weeks/maybe months, we as window cleaners lead solitary lives not really having contact with customers which is ideal and makes you feel very safe which is true but, whilst i'm pretty much safe my wife has copd which in the normal day to day normality is easy to cope with driving around today theres so many cockwombles having takeaway brews mass groups just chatting all being close together older people not giving a flying f*** . last Monday I cleaned a house where I go inside and clean the bedroom window, no problem I thought come Wednesday I felt dizzy and light headed, I e mailed them to ask about any illnesses and it turns out the daughter came back from new Zealand and shortly afterwards they all had some illness could be corona who knows but imaging if it was and how many people in those three days I could have passed this onto, it really brings it home guys and its not really funny anymore

There's something I'm thinking about that I don't think anyone has mentioned, which I don't know whether or not I have good reason to be concerned about. The government is saying for instance that they'll help out some folk who are off work with 80% of their wages, and all sorts of funding promises to various needs. I'm wondering where the money is going to come from, and just as importantly; how, or who is going to pay it back? Extra equipment being bought, extra resources being committed and extra staff being recruited(very necessary I know) but same question? I'm thinking that the answer will be : the usual, captive, government funders who have little choice or say in the matter; the tax payer. We were forced to bale out the banks in the very recent past, with no say in the matter, while as far as I know the big money executives sailed on with barely a ruffle. Now, Richard Branson, for instance, is asking some of his staff to take unpaid leave and Demanding the government (us the tax payers) pay their wages, while he keeps a tight grip on the obscene personal wealth that those people helped him accumulate. There will, without a doubt, be a huge amount of businesses that will be finished for good : pubs, clubs, airlines, travel, restaurants, cafes, gyms, taxis, shops, car sales and several other businesses, large and small, including in our own trade. They won't all be able to make it back. Some of course will, there are always survivors, but there will be difficult times ahead for a lot of people and they, or we, will need financial assistance to get by. I'm fully expecting that once we get through this crisis, those still in work or business, will be hit by a very large increase in tax demands to repay the funds that will have gone out and to help those still in trouble, including probably and sadly, some of us. I'm only an ordinary working walla who left school at fourteen, I may well be wrong but I can't see it unfolding any other way. We will of course, as always be in the hands of "experts" and I think some of you may know my views on that class of people. I am by nature a positive and driven person, although this post suggests differently the way it reads. I'm just giving a heads up on the way I think things are likely to unfold. If I'm wrong, all the better. I'll be very happy to be wrong on this. Wishing all of us and those we care about, the very best.

We do a lot like this we clean the top section that opens then rinse that then clean the bottom half and rinse that never have any issues

It may not be the best time to start at the moment due to the current situation. Canvassing will be impossible, folk won't want you at the front door.

This is an interesting topic but I am a little uncomfortable that Alex is getting singled out when there must be a dozen different suppliers of carbon poles out there.

Ok, I'm waiting to here back from my accountant but 80% of profits from last tax year is what I understand. So the last tax year I was still very much in building stage, keeping my personal outgoing down and putting most back into business, buying equipments etc. Now things have changed but I will only get the 80% (if I get it) on those slim profits which for me works out to not very much at all. Please, for those posting, everyone is in a different situation. We need to stop shouting at one another and try and be considerate. Yes we disagree but fundamentally we are all trying to work towards the right goal. I don't get the impression anyone here is hoping to turn a massive profit over the coming months or even year, rather just survive. So let's stop fighting and try and help each other figure this thing out, start to understand the heads and tails of it.

Hi, fantastic site, thanks for the information provided. I am in total agreement with NOT working. I have a family so I want to protect them, if I was to touch something whilst out and passed it on I could not live with myself. Also the Gov is saying stay home and for a reason. My friend is working at a huge place in London setting up thousands of beds, he says it’s scarey and upsetting to see what the NHS is expecting. IMO I am putting myself in to financial meltdowns now by not working but I am happy I’ll be safe and keeping my family safe and others. I Don’t want to be that man out walking about when most decent people are at home. Yes we have assholes not staying in and not social distancing that’s a shame. We all stay home we get rid of this virus faster. A few months of loss work compared to getting I’ll or passing it on is worth it. Also not sure if my one seen local FB pages but many cleaners gardeners have people taking pictures and putting online shaming, be care you do not tarnish your name. Irreversible! Stay safe and hope everyone can get the support of the government to get us through. Going to be hard for many of us. I just cleared all my debts and tax. Dine it wrong time as skint now was liking forward to earning and building money up and debt free.

This is the perfect way to explain why us window cleaners are on lockdown.

Went to do a first clean on a new customer today in a 4 Bedroom Detached. The interaction went like... “Knock Knock” Her - Hello? Me - Hi, Window Cleaner. Her - Ok.. Me - Shall I just get started and give you a tap once done? Her - Yes, but I would like the frames cleaned aswell. Me - That’s fine there cleaned as standard along with your doors. Her - Ok... and closes door. Me - Walks round to the rear of the property to have a look. Her - reappears in the rear garden. Me - Hi, you never mentioned when I ask about having an extension. Her - Does is matter if it has an extension? Me - Of course it matters as it’s not a standard 4 Bedroom Detached. Her - Oh ok, anyway as your cleaning the windows can you also clean all that muck off below the window? Me - Of course I can but it’ll cost. Her - What do you mean? Me - Well I’m here to clean the windows not the cladding that’s a different service. Her - But your already up there so you can give it a quick clean. Me - Eh no, by all means you can give it a quick clean but I won’t be touching it. Her - Sorry? Me - Don’t worry I’ll give this a skip thanks... Her - *staring at me* Me - Enjoy the rest of your day and walks off. Cheekiest one I’ve had for a long while.

My cavalier attitude???? I don't sit at home reading the doom mongers predictions. I actually get on with my life and follow instructions. If I get the disease it won't be because I've been licking door handles it will be because the instructions I followed didn't work. If I get it and I am one of the 3% that are forecast to die then there really isn't much more I could've done. I've lived through all the other end of world disasters and fully intend to live through this one. What I won't do is sit crying behind a desk worrying if I'm going to get it or not, or even predicting I'm going to be the first in the bunch to get it.

Its true my CLX 27 is still going after 6 years but I hardly use it now as my XTREME 25 is so light and beautiful to use, I use it for 95% of my work. My body so appreciates the lightness of this pole. Yes it is much more fragile and you have to take care of it, but for me its totally worth it.

Don't bother as you'll not get clean windows using tap water