UK
The Textile services Association (TSA) wage survey of the commercial laundry sector has found that labour costs have increased by a staggering 14.25% in the 12 months to October 2021. More than 86% of the TSA’s membership took part on the survey, underlining the alarm that the increases are causing throughout the industry.
TSA CEO David Stevens warns that, without significant price increases, the industry is simply not viable. “Wages are the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “We have reports of energy prices going up 300%, insurance up 100%, textile costs up 50%. It’s not sustainable. The industry was already reeling from the aftermath of the lockdowns and the lack of government support, but these increases are unprecedented. We’ve jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.”
Commercial laundries service the hospitality and industrial markets, as well as healthcare including the NHS.
“The last thing we want to inflict on hospitality and healthcare is a big hike in prices, but it’s difficult to see any other options,” said Stevens.
For more information on the TSA’s wage survey, visit http://www.tsa-uk.org
