Laundry Assistant

Eton College; City Of London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Subsidised lunches

Access to sport and leisure facilities

Job summary

Eton College is seeking a motivated Laundry Assistant to join the Laundry Department and maintain high standards of cleanliness and efficiency across the College.

You will sort, treat stains, operate washers and dryers, and support the team of 23 staff, with training provided and a clear focus on safeguarding and teamwork.

The role follows term-time patterns and structured hours, with benefits including a pension, private healthcare, and staff facilities access.

Qualifications

• Experience in laundry, cleaning, or a willingness to learn is valued.
• Strong teamwork and reliability are essential.
• Good verbal communication and punctuality are important.
• Ability to follow safety and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort laundry and linen for processing.
• Inspect garments for stains or damage and determine treatment.
• Treat stains and select appropriate wash programs with training provided.
• Operate pressing equipment to finish shirts and linens to a high standard.
• Adhere to safeguarding, confidentiality, and equal opportunity policies.

Skills

Manual handling

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Flexible attitude

Driving licence

Job description

Role Introduction

To play an active role within the Laundry Department, delivering a full and high-quality laundry service to support the daily operations of Eton College. The Laundry Department is a vital part of the College community, comprising a dedicated team of 23 staff members. Equipped with industrial-grade washing machines, dryers, a steam-powered shirt unit, and a ironer for bed and table linens, the department also utilises advanced machinery such as a Butterfly folding and stacking system and a tunnel finisher for delicate garments. Each week, the team processes up to 50,000 items for students, boarding house staff, catering teams, summer school attendees, the Bursary, and various other departments across the College. This role contributes directly to maintaining the high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and efficiency expected throughout the institution.

Main Duties

• Receive and sort laundry, including personal clothing and linen, ensuring items are appropriately categorised for processing;
• Inspect garments and linen prior to washing, identifying stains, damage, or special treatment requirements;
• Treat stains using appropriate chemicals, sort items into designated wash loads, and operate washers and dryers using correct programmes. Full training will be provided;
• Operate pressing equipment to finish shirts, linen, and starched collars to a high standard of presentation;
• All employees of Eton College are also expected to:
  • Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as 'regulated activity';
  • Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
  • Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;
  • Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

• You have reasonable physical fitness with the ability to undertake heavy lifting;
• You take pride in your work and pay great attention to detail, delivering the highest possible standards;
• You have worked in a similar role, or have previous laundry, cleaning experience, however this is not essential if you have the right attitude and you are keen to learn;
• You have a Full, UK Driving Licence to drive manual vehicles;
• You have a flexible approach to work and a positive 'can do' attitude;
• You enjoy working as part of a team and are co-operative, flexible and work collaboratively to support your colleagues;
• You are able to work unsupervised and use your own initiative;
• You have good verbal communication skills;
• You are punctual and well presented.

Working Pattern

• 31 Weeks per annum at 40 hours during term time (Monday-Friday from 8am to 4.30pm);
• 7 Weeks per annum at 39 hours (Monday-Thursday 8am - 4.30pm and Friday 8am-3.30pm);
• 6 weeks per annum at 27.5 hours during summer holidays (Monday - Friday 8am - 2pm);
• Working days include a 30-minute meal break.

The remainder of the time when the Laundry is closed will be unpaid. Salaries are however paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Benefits

Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include a generous pension scheme with an 11% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution), salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family-friendly pay. Colleagues also benefit from a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or significantly discounted access to the College's excellent sport and leisure facilities, and discounts with local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as "spent" under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College