Should I give my cleaner a Christmas bonus when she is having a long holiday ?

Kim_kim

AnnieO1234 wrote: »

Does she work for anyone else? Does she have anyone work with her? What do her invoices say?

On the face of it, the fact she isn't supplying cover makes it more likely she is an employee.

Do you pay her in line with the minimum wage or is it more? Does the amount you pay over cover the unpaid holidays? (Not actual figures for the sake of clarity. Say she does 1 hour a week for 48 weeks and minimum wage is £5 do you actually pay £5.41 to cover the 4 weeks zero pay).

How did you find her is also a big clue.

In answer to your question, I wouldn't pay a bonus at Christmas. I would give a gift. I would maybe consider a bonus at another time of year, perhaps the anniversary of her start date or to run with tax years etc.

If she isn't your employee I would expect her to find cover at her expense for the holidays, and think you're being too lenient with her otherwise. Xxx

My cleaner isn't my employee, she's a self employed person who sells her services, much like the window cleaner, grass mower, car washer, etc.

When she takes time off she doesn't send anyone else in her place - I manage without her.
Your quote about lenient is really odd.....

Nicki

Kim_kim wrote: »

My cleaner isn't my employee, she's a self employed person who sells her services, much like the window cleaner, grass mower, car washer, etc.

When she takes time off she doesn't send anyone else in her place - I manage without her.
Your quote about lenient is really odd.....

Although very few people do pay tax and NI for their cleaner, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be, and that their cleaner wouldn't be classed as an employee by the taxman or at an employment tribunal.

If the cleaner uses your equipment, comes on a regular day and time for a set period, has to undertake the work themselves (i.e. Can't send a replacement to do it) then they are likely to be an employee even if they also work for other people.

There are lots of helpful information sheets on this online, e.g.

http://www.primeaccountants.co.uk/news/home-cleaner-self-employed-or-employee

Kim_kim

Nicki wrote: »

Although very few people do pay tax and NI for their cleaner, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be, and that their cleaner wouldn't be classed as an employee by the taxman or at an employment tribunal.

If the cleaner uses your equipment, comes on a regular day and time for a set period, has to undertake the work themselves (i.e. Can't send a replacement to do it) then they are likely to be an employee even if they also work for other people.

There are lots of helpful information sheets on this online, e.g.

http://www.primeaccountants.co.uk/news/home-cleaner-self-employed-or-employee

My cleaner brings her own equipment, Hoover & cleaning products.

She invoices me monthly.

oystercatcher

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Apologies if I've missed it but who is "we"? I'd assumed you lived alone but it sounds if you don't so won't the person who looks after and walks the dogs be able to do some cleaning?

paddy's_mum wrote: »

Post 24. "My husband is a tax inspector..." which kinda answers the self-employed question at the same time :T

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Thanks, I'd missed that.

So really no need to choose between getting another cleaner in, struggling to do it herself and asking relatives to do it.;)

I really resent this inference that I don't need a cleaner and that I should be forcing my family to do my chores. Why can't people accept that in our personal family situation which I do not wish to explain in painful, boring detail, we need a cleaner. Having a cleaner means that my time and energy can be spent doing less mundane things and make my life a lot more enjoyable and it means my disabled husband can come home from work and rest rather than doing painful chores.

My family help when they are here, they cook, carry dishes , move furniture, make their own beds if I can't etc etc, however I do not want them to arrive and ask them to vacuum, mop and clean bathrooms I want them to enjoy visiting and to be able to just have a normal family Christmas.

I've already stated that the cleaner will be receiving a bonus because I do appreciate her help and I want her to return after her break .

As for the cleaning, well I will do it , I will feel rubbish afterwards and I will be glad when Christmas is over and the cleaner returns.

oystercatcher

Nicki wrote: »

Although very few people do pay tax and NI for their cleaner, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be, and that their cleaner wouldn't be classed as an employee by the taxman or at an employment tribunal.

If the cleaner uses your equipment, comes on a regular day and time for a set period, has to undertake the work themselves (i.e. Can't send a replacement to do it) then they are likely to be an employee even if they also work for other people.

There are lots of helpful information sheets on this online, e.g.

http://www.primeaccountants.co.uk/news/home-cleaner-self-employed-or-employee

Interesting, going by this link my cleaner is definitely self employed which is what I thought.

I still don't 'get' the sending someone else thing though for a one person buisness.

Nicki

Why not use an agency cleaner just for those few weeks oystercatcher? I know you like your privacy but you can be present whilst the cleaner is there, and it might be the least worst option. Even if you just get someone in to do the heavy work (vacuuming and mopping floors) and choose to do the more intimate stuff like bathrooms yourself it would still take some of the strain.

Having a disability (and cleaner) myself I know what you mean when you say that if you do the housework yourself you will be completely exhausted and it would be a shame not to enjoy your family and friends visiting over Christmas when you have options.

Andypandyboy

In my area we have a company that does "one off" cleans. We are booked in for early December for a "Spring clean", but they do weekly cleans without the need to be tied in. I would think there may be one in your area too. Just get them in for the time your own cleaner is off and then you can enjoy Christmas.

oystercatcher

Just as an update. Today was Cleaner's last day, when she had finished I gave her double pay and said I really appreciated what she did for us and I hoped she would have a lovely holiday.

Her face was a picture , she was astonished and delighted . I am so glad I did this.

I think if I do a little bit of cleaning each day we can manage until she returns and after all , we will end up with three weeks cleaning money in hand . I will be glad when she is back though :rotfl:

Pollycat

oystercatcher wrote: »

Just as an update. Today was Cleaner's last day, when she had finished I gave her double pay and said I really appreciated what she did for us and I hoped she would have a lovely holiday.

Her face was a picture , she was astonished and delighted . I am so glad I did this.

I think if I do a little bit of cleaning each day we can manage until she returns and after all , we will end up with three weeks cleaning money in hand . I will be glad when she is back though :rotfl:

Aw, that's lovely. :T
Glad you decided she deserved a bonus and thanks for the update.

Hope you manage to cope with the cleaning but don't knock yourself out, I'm sure the family will understand.

Knightsuntold

oystercatcher wrote: »

Just as an update. Today was Cleaner's last day, when she had finished I gave her double pay and said I really appreciated what she did for us and I hoped she would have a lovely holiday.

Her face was a picture , she was astonished and delighted . I am so glad I did this.

I think if I do a little bit of cleaning each day we can manage until she returns and after all , we will end up with three weeks cleaning money in hand . I will be glad when she is back though :rotfl:

I love this! So glad that you got some pleasure out of it too. Long may this working relationship continue.