Was this sexist of the cleaning company?

[NoPressureNoDiamonds]

We've been in touch with a cleaning company about hiring a cleaner for our house once a week. They struggled to find someone for our preferred start date/ day of the week. Then they emailed to ask "would you mind a male cleaner? If not, we have someone who can start on this day".

My first reaction was of course I don't mind a male cleaner, as long as they do the job I don't care what sex they are. Then I started to second guess myself...

Were they being sexist or should I actually be wary of a male cleaner?!

Why so EXTREME always?

Why not just "some people mind, so we check"?

Far From The Madding Crowd is on iPlayer. There are some very dramatic scenes with sheep. If you are actively searching for something to feel strong feelings about, maybe you'd enjoy it.

Anyway I thought it was a really strange question - like why would anyone care when gender your cleaner is. You guys put me right. Thanks for that. Feel a little beaten up now but never mind, got my answer!
runs and hides in corner
never posts on mumsnet ever again

They were allowing for other people's sexism.

Maybe the cleaner in question has arrived at people's houses to be met by alarmed shrieking.

And you know how many MNers feel about the fact that a male work-person might ^poo in their loo*.

At least the cleaner will leave it clean.....

Stop thinking about this and hire the cleaner!

There is a lack of choice with the more traditionally "manly" jobs - it would be pointless for firm to ask "do you mind a male plumber?" if they have no female plumber to offer if you say yes.

This.
I would, in fact, be more comfortable with a female plumber. I don't feel safe with strange men in the house, considering 98% of rapes are committed by men. (And no, it is not sexism to acknowledge facts that relate to my safety. )

But if the plumbing company cannot offer you a female plumber, they'd be stupid to ask and draw attention to it.

You are overthinking this. They were just being considerate. Hire the male cleaner if you want to. But don't call other women sexist for not wanting strange men in their house.

I do wonder though if it's because a cleaner is more a regular thing than say a one off plumber or electrician. Also as pp said it's quite an intimate job, some cleaners put any laundry away and things.

I've asked friends over or asked my husband to be present when we've had workmen in because I just do not feel comfortable with strangers in my home.
I'd probably request a lady cleaner or seek a female cleaner tbh.

I think its a question more companies should ask.

Brotish gas has had a drive on recuritung female engineers. For this reason. Some people will ask for a female. People rarely ask to ensure its a male. British gas want to be able to provide that, especially for women who do feel uncomfortable with a man in the house

Its a good question to ask. And you can not compare how you feel having your dh in your house to how a rape victim feels about a stranger being their house.