Confused: Help in the house which is also workplace

HighlandJoe

Hi,

I am self employed. However over Christmas period need very occasional help.

I manufacturing items and moved everything to my house working out of shed and garage since March.

Now I need the person who comes to help to come me in once/twice a week as it's coming up to Dec. They cannot do this job from home, they are not a PAYE employee. Its very infrequent help but stops me burning out.

I have done a Covid risk assessment and we are working in separate area of the house with masks on, sanitizer and separate toilets and disinfection regularly.

Is this legal? I cannot find any help online? This is for work purposes only and my business will fold without the help as I am working until 3am every night and then back up at 5am. I need just a little help once a week but cannot find any restrictions advice on a home that is also a registered place of work for me.

Their safety is important to me, we have face shields on but not coming into contact but just to insure maximum safety.

No they cannot do this job from home.

Any advice how I can do this legally?

Thanks,

H

bradders1983

Anyone can enter a house to perform paid work, your situation is not unique. Its no different to a plumber going into a house to fix a toilet.

HighlandJoe

bradders1983 said:

Anyone can enter a house to perform paid work, your situation is not unique. Its no different to a plumber going into a house to fix a toilet.

Thank you.

I was unsure as my manufacturing work isn't deemed essential, but a plumber is (rightly so)so wasn't sure if that made an impact. I just do not want to end up with a hefty fine or drag off to prison ! As part of my risk assessment I have outlined all the procedures to the person I am paying to help in an email to ensure they understand and comply to protect us both.

bradders1983

In any case, the police have much better things to be doing than checking who is in other peoples houses, they are only bothered about the mickey-take breaches like 50 people in a house having a rave. 

McKneff

Decorators are allowed to carry out work in your house,. Hardly essential 
Stop worrying and Happy Christmas

unholyangel

If you have a mortgage check it doesn't prohibit it. If you have home insurance you may want to contact them/make sure you're covered for any damage/injury claims the contractor might make if they have an accident on your property. 

Other than that, can't see any potential issues with it if they're happy, you're happy and you've covered yourself with a reasonable risk assessment.