Streets and parks could become "no-go" areas unless more recognition is given to cleaners, a conference was being told today.

Sue Nelson, vice-chairwoman of the British Cleaning Council, told council chiefs in Paignton, Devon, that a decline in the public view of the trade has led to bosses hiring cleaners on the cheap, with potentially perilous results for business.

Without properly-trained cleaners firms could shut down, there will be more cases of food poisoning at hotels and restaurants and deaths from secondary infections in hospitals could rise alarmingly.

Ms Nelson said: "Ever since we began contracting out to agencies to avoid cost, cleaners have become anonymous in the workplace and hence unappreciated by the staff and the boss.

"Consequently, training is minimal, morale is low and the industry is haemorrhaging staff.

"If that situation continues, there will be nobody to clean our streets and buildings, which could bring the country to its knees."

Wednesday June 16, 2004