Crossword Genius

As a manual worker, Charlie's carrying less weight (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cleaner

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'less weight' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'as a manual worker charlie's' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found in the answer.
'charlie' could be 'c' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.) and 'c' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'leer' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'carrying' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleaner that I've seen before include "Daily help" , "Worker" , "Char; detergent" , "More hygienic" , "Eg, char" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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