UK Window Cleaning Forum > Window Cleaning Forum
A Serious Complaint
Philip Hanson:
I have lodged the following complaint with The Bristol Evening Post (part of the Western Daily Press Group) regarding an article it printed on the 8th of December. Unfortunately, this article is probably not limited to Bristol, and you may see it in your own local newspaper soon enough.
I would urge anyone else who is similarly annoyed by this article to also complain about it. PM me and I'll provide you with the email and postal address to write to.
--- Quote ---Dear Bristol Evening Post,
I write to complain about an article which you published on
the 8th of December in the "Devil's Advocate" column,
discussing the establishment of a training facility for the
window cleaning industry known as The British Window
Cleaning Academy. (The text of the article is quoted
below, along with a hyperlink to the webpage)
Firstly, the sentiment that only stupid people become window
cleaners is not only untrue, but totally indefensible.
Secondly, training for the window cleaning industry is not,
as was suggested, unnecessary. Approximately 10 window
cleaners die every year in the UK, and the only way to
combat this poor safety record is by means of appropriate
training. This is now provided by the BWCA primarily in
response to calls from the HSE for a recognized standard of
training, but also as a result of phenomenal demand from the
window cleaning industry.
The British Window Cleaning Academy Ltd, far from being as
was suggested "just a sinister front for teaching criminals
the latest house-breaking techniques" is well respected in
the window cleaning industy. A registered City &
Guilds NVQ Centre, the BWCA has recently established a new
training facility in Wiltshire. The courses it offers
cover working-at-height safety, fall-arrest equipment, the
use of powered-access plant, compliance with regulations,
rope-access techniques, water-fed poles, maintenence of
water-purification plant, the control of legionella and
many other subjects besides which are greatly relevant to
the window cleaning industry, and in many cases could
potentially save lives. I have personally attended several
of the BWCA's courses and found the standard of training to
be excellent.
I would argue that the portrayal of the window cleaning
industry in your article, and in particular the vicious
attack on the BWCA was irresponsible, unjustified,
factually inaccurate and commercially damaging. I would
suggest that the author of the article take the time to
attend some of the BWCA's courses before expressing an
opinion on these.
I know that the company behind the BWCA has gone to
considerable effort, not to mention expense, to establish
the Academy as a credible source of training for the window
cleaning industry, and I am both dismayed and puzzled as to
why its efforts should be attacked in this manner. I have
informed the BWCA of this matter, and I will be reporting
on the results.
I am also shocked by the question raised in the article :
"And anyway, what are window cleaners apart from off-duty
burglars?"
I would like to know how such a sentiment can possibly be
justified.
Philip Hanson
Editor
Professional Window Cleaner Magazine
www.professionalwindowcleaner.co.uk
Link to original article page:HERE
Devil's Advocate 8th December 2004, Bristol Evening Post :
"I know it's hard to believe, but there are some kids so
stupid that they can't even get a place at one of Mr Blah's
special thicko universities. These youths go off to be
window cleaners.
But even there, with only a bucket of water, a ladder and a
chamois leather to co-ordinate, they're not safe from the
degree-dispensing NuLabour social engineers.
I am indebted to a reader of this column for sending me the
following advert for … wait for it … the British Window
Cleaning Academy where, for a small fee of £95, aspiring
chamois-wielders can take a one-day intensive course
resulting in the award of a Level 2 NVQ in Window Cleaning.
No, really.
"Learn to squeegee like a pro", they urge, promising
detailed instruction in "Waterfed Pole Use and Basic Health
and Safety".
Now call me elitist, but how thick do you have to be to need
an intensive course in window cleaning? "Dip rag in bucket,
rub window, do not fall off ladder" seems to be about it.
And anyway, what are window cleaners apart from off-duty
burglars? The whole thing is probably just a sinister front
for teaching criminals the latest house-breaking techniques.
I think Officer Dibble should take a look."
==========================================
--- End quote ---
replacement:
Things like this dont help for Wc's Image.
Justin
Duke:
Disturbing, that. I feel quite insulted...I've never been a burglar and I went to University, got a few bits of paper from there...I just like cleaning windows, because I set my own hours and income, I'm out getting excersise and fresh air...AND I meet lot's of interesting people....what a nerve !
Craig_Mawlam:
The article in Bristol Evening News is an insult to all professional Window Cleaners as well as those who support the industry. As an important business sector we must join to combat the stereotype image portrayed in the press, who seem to have declared open season on Window Cleaners. I will be writing a formal letter of complaint from the BWCA and will urge the Federation to do likewise on behalf of its members who have declared their status as a condition of membership.
Likewise I urge all professional Window Cleaners who feel degraded by this article to take the time to send a letter of complaint to the editor.
Taking no action at all simply confirms the articles view that we are all thicko's and housebreakers!
In disgust...
Craig Mawlam
BWCA C&G NVQ Centre
gaza:
WHY DONT WE WRITE TO THE"CRIME REDUCTION OFFICER INVOLVED"
crime reduction my ,,,, Ive spent nearly£10,000 on my tools of my trade,bet hes running around in a car weve paid for to do his job...
[EDITED : I understand this is an emotive subject, but lets not veer off the topic. We certainly don't want to begin to slag off the police. As Craig says, the way to respond to this article is to complain to the editor, lets do just that! - Philip Hanson]
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