What is everyone doing with things like cleaners?

GarciaLorca

Hi there,
We are really fortunate to be able to hire a cleaner to come every two weeks.  She has been so reliable and thorough the last 2 years and she is sent by a small business owner to do the work.  I am a bit concerned though about having people in the house at the moment.  I am currently practising social distancing and working from home and minimising all but essential contact.  I am also mindful that this is someone's livelihood and things are really bad right now, so considering cancelling the cleaner but continuing to pay?

NeilCr

I have had the same cleaner for over ten years and she is now a friend

I know she wouldn't come if she had any symptoms - and, to be honest, for the vast majority of the time she is well away from me (if I am here). She often comes when I am out, anyway.. I think it's about balance - she is the only person who regularly visits and - because of back and knee problems - cleaning myself would be difficult

I am going to continue as long as she is happy to do so

Pollycat

Are you in the high risk group (age and/or underlying health issues)?

Is she in the high risk group (age and/or underlying health issues)?

Have you spoken to her about your concerns?

Does she still want to come?

onwards&upwards

As long as you still pay her I think it’s fine either way.  I think the risk is minimal as long as neither of you have symptoms but everybody’s comfort level is different, and if your cleaner knows she will be paid by you regardless you will be reducing her stress/pressure level a little at a difficult time. 

John_

GarciaLorca said:

Hi there,
We are really fortunate to be able to hire a cleaner to come every two weeks.  She has been so reliable and thorough the last 2 years and she is sent by a small business owner to do the work.  I am a bit concerned though about having people in the house at the moment.  I am currently practising social distancing and working from home and minimising all but essential contact.  I am also mindful that this is someone's livelihood and things are really bad right now, so considering cancelling the cleaner but continuing to pay?

That seems fair. 

General_Applause

To be honest, I never get within 6 feet of any of my clients, except to take the money. Are you hovering over them as they go from room to room?

All of my private clients are pensioners and none have made any reference to the virus and neither have I, despite my day job in the NHS.

If you are of reasonable health and you trust her to stay away should she become unwell, I would just let her keep coming.

diggingdude

not sure we should call cleaners things

suki1964

diggingdude said:

not sure we should call cleaners things

Ha ha

I was thing of bathroom and kitchen sprays as I clicked on the thread

OP, she is your cleaner. You employed her because you personally cant clean so why not keep her coming in whilst she can. Speak to her about your fears , Im sure she would be the first to sa she wasn't fit to be in work

warby68

That's what I would do if uncomfortable - cancel but pay her (appreciating this may not be possible for ever)

Drawingaline

I have one client going into isolation as she has been advised by her consultant. She will pay (probably a reduced rate though). My 93yr old client has fallen and broken his hip, I doubt he will come home now 😔 and I clean for an elderly couple who I will probably cancel now. They are due to move in a few months anyway, but I think it is probably best I steer clear. They have family locally to help.

All my other clients tend to be out when I visit, although I am assuming more will be working from home going forward. I am assuming both my jobs will disappear in the coming weeks (I also work two days a week for a company involved in the aircraft industry, so that's completely stuffed) luckily my husband is employed by one of the few industries that is doing well otherwise we really wouldn't be paying the mortgage in a few months!!!

It's lovely that you are thinking of people like us at this time 😊

oystercatcher

My cleaner and I have agreed that we will let each other know if we have any symptoms and cancel her visit but otherwise she will carry on coming weekly. I can't manage to clean without her. She's mostly distanced from us as she goes around anyway, we are both in at risk categories and have an elderly relative to care for so have to hope she doesn't bring the virus into the house. If she doesn't come i won't pay, that has always been the arrangement. Fingers crossed all around....what will be will be , we can only do our best!