TSA, the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) and other national laundry associations join to promote textile service careers with Laundry Open Week: 11th-15th March
The UK’s Textile Services Association (TSA) has come together with the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) and others to throw open the doors of the commercial laundry industry to the public. The aim? To demonstrate and promote careers in textile services. The method? Commercial laundry sites across the UK will allow visitors access inside their premises on specified days between March 11th and March 15th, where they can see and discuss the range of careers available in this growing sector.
The actual washing process is only part of it. While there are currently over 24,000 people working in the textile services industry, only about a third handle the laundry. From engineers to customer service reps and HR, from sales and finance teams to drivers, behind every clean piece of linen is a vast number of different skills and jobs. While one purpose of Laundry Open Week is to showcase the diversity of career paths within the commercial laundry industry, it’s also to celebrate some of its forward-thinking initiatives as championed by the TSA, from sustainability to inclusivity and mental health, as well as explaining the industry’s importance in supporting the broader UK economy.
“While these issues are vital to us, we want this week to demonstrate that it’s a fun industry to work in, too!” says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA. “Anyone interested in a career in textile services, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, should consider getting involved.”
While this is the first time something like this has been done in the UK, its potential for success has already been tried and tested overseas. “France has been doing this for a few years now, and with a great turnout,” says David. “The fact we have ETSA and others behind it now is really encouraging. We are keen to showcase to the general public what our industry can offer.”
There’s still time for commercial laundries to apply to be part of the open week. They just need to get in touch with the TSA via its website and specify a day between March 11th and 15th that works best for them to participate. If you are looking to attend the event, please get in touch with your local laundry to see if they are taking part in the initiative.
“It’s fast approaching, and we see this very much as a pilot event, our hope is that it grows and becomes an annual week,” says David.
Commercial laundries are vital to UK Plc. Without them, 90% of hotels would be forced to close within just three days, while the same percentage of hospitals would close after 24 hours. For Pharma and Food Processing Factories, the story is much the same.
“The message is simple: laundry matters, and working in the laundry industry can be a highly rewarding career,” says David.
For those attending Laundry Open Week, sharing images and social media posts is encouraged to help spread the word and the success of this first-time event. Those interested in finding out more should visit tsa-uk.org.