Settle an argument about paying the cleaner

[Trashtara]

We paid the cleaner throughout lockdown until boris told people who couldn't work at home to go back to work, when she started back with us. So 12 weeks I think. She has worked all bar one week since (sickness, unpaid).

Cleaner has now been bereaved and is unable to work, I think we should pay her at least 2 weeks. Financially it would be good if we didn't, but seems a kind gesture to me.

She's self employed, not part of an agency, no one will be coming in her place unless I organise it.

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

To me it depends on the type of bereavement. Parent/child/husband? Yes. Pay.

Anyone else, no.

[LifeInAHamsterWheel]

Totally up to you, as it was when you paid her during lockdown. If you can pay her now I'm sure it would be appreciated. I suppose it just depends on how long you think she might be off work now. If it were me, I'd pay for the next couple of weeks and take it from there.

[Trashtara]

Child

[Trashtara]

Adult child, but still

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

Then yes, I would.

[Trashtara]

LifeInAHamsterWheel yes, we certainly couldn't do it indefinitely as we'd have to replace her (temporarily or otherwise) but 2 weeks would be fine. I wouldn't expect her back after 2 weeks but would look to get a temporary agency in after that.

[Northernsoullover]

Her child? Pay her

[BlueSlice]

If you can then I would.

[Trashtara]

It sounds like I'm more concerned about the money that her, I'm not. I'm just not sure of the protocol. She's only been cleaning for us since Feb.

[Trashtara]

Ok, yes, my initial thoughts were right then. I will pay her for the next 2 weeks then see.

[listsandbudgets]

I'm glad you're doing that OP. She'll have enough to worry about without money troubles.

I imagine she's utterly devastated and a little bit of kindness can go a long way in that situation.

[BlueSlice]

That’s really kind OP.

What an awful thing she’s going through. Words can’t even describe.

[Viviennemary]

I can't think why you paid her throughout lockdown in the first place. But it would seem extra cruel to stop paying her now.

[Trashtara]

Viviennemary because it was a unsettling time for everyone, she had been essentially made jobless, couldn't work if she wanted to and wasn't entitled to government help initially. Thankfully DH and I were not particularly affected by COVID so chose to continue to pay what we had previously - this included the cleaner and our child care provider. Seemed the right thing to do. As does this.

[BlueSlice]

@Viviennemary because the OP is a decent human being?

[Viviennemary]

So implying these people who couldn't afford to pay their cleaners or whose jobs were at risk are not decent human beings.

[Parkandride]

Oh that's so sad, I think paying would be kind if you can afford it.
Viviennemary is clearly spoiling for a fight...

[BlueSlice]

@Viviennemary not even slightly. We’re assuming the OP was able to pay, so she did. Obviously if she couldn’t have done then she wouldn’t. Don’t be dense.

[Trashtara]

We realised we were in a position many were not and did what we could at the time. Jeez, I'm glad VivienneMary isn't my cleaner!

[Twickerhun]

We paid our childcare in full and cleaner through lockdown - we remained on full pay so why wouldn’t we?

Pay her now- two weeks isn’t long for her To grieve but it’s a fair gesture.

[Trashtara]

Twickerhun yes. I'd like to pay her longer but realistically we will need a temporary replacement. I wouldn't be expecting her to return to work after 2 weeks. And if it takes longer to get her replacement we will continue to pay her until we do.