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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really not understand why childminders expect to be paid for their holidays and sick pay?

82 replies

BootyMum · 31/10/2011 08:52

I have a lovely childminder for my two DS. The contract is that I pay when they are sick or on holiday [which is fair enough imo] but also if she is on holiday [standard 4 weeks a year] or sick.

I can't really understand how childminders have made it standard that they expect to be paid for their holidays and sick pay. My childminder is not my employee, as a nanny would be. She is self employed and is paid to perform a service. I think if she is not available to perform that service, for whatever reason, I should not be expected to fork out.

I am self employed as is my DH. Both of us provide services to clients in our professions. When we are on holiday or sick we don't get paid. We wouldn't dream of billing clients for time when we were absent [and I imagine our clients wouldn't stand for it either!], so why is it fair that childminders have this arrangement?

As it stands, when my childminder is absent I have to pay her but have to take time off from my own work to take care of DS 1 & 2 and don't get paid. Or I have to find other childcare arrangements and pay twice.

I just think the terms of contract are unreasonable but seem to be pretty standard for childminders [I am in London btw]

AIBU?

OP posts:
NoMoreWasabi · 31/10/2011 09:03

Actually I agree with you. It seems to want it both ways - to be self employed and yet have the benefits of being an employee.

slavetofilofax · 31/10/2011 09:03

I agree with you. My DH is self employed and he doesn't get holiday pay or sick leave, so I don't see why childminders should either.

It's fair enough that they expect to be paid if you go on holiday, as you are the one choosing not to use the service when they would be available and willing to provide it. But if they choose to be away or are sick, they shouldn't be paid.

The fact that they are looking after the most precious things in the world to you is irrelevant. They are running a business like any other.

Original poster
BootyMum · 31/10/2011 09:00

southeastastra I don't need advice from childminders. I am asking if I am being unreasonable. Thanks anyway.

nickschic I don't think your comments really address the point. I appreciate my childminder and what she does. But she is self-employed not my employee. So why should I pay her holiday and sick pay? If she wants that I just feel she should be employed by someone, ie a nursery.
And just because private nurseries have the same contract doesn't make it right Hmm

OP posts:
ToothbrushThief · 31/10/2011 09:00

you're a new business or newly setting up

I blame my new glasses for a morning of crap typing

ToothbrushThief · 31/10/2011 08:59

booty - presumably your fees are increased to cover eventualities like sickness and holiday

(They should be, if you're a good business?)

Most pay schemes are planned to allow for these events. In bigger business it's easier and I can see your problem with it if yupou're a small business or newly setting

I also imagine it could be frustrating if 'sick' was recurrent. If my staff go sick I have cover...I have a sick note...I have a recognised protocol for ensuring my staff are treated well but I'm not exploited by malingering.

nickschic · 31/10/2011 08:55

Its shocking isnt it.

These people who look after the most priceless things in our lifes and they want demand holiday pay .......Biscuit.

If your dc went to a private nursery youd have to pay fees even on holidays when the nursery is shut.

southeastastra · 31/10/2011 08:53

why don't you put this in the childminder section where actual childminders could advise you rather than aibu? Hmm