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AIBU?

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Original poster

Have I been miserly with our cleaner?

158 replies

romanfriendsandcountrywomen · 23/12/2024 11:12

We have a cleaner twice a week. 2 hours Monday, 3 hours Thursday. Pay her £80 a week.

She's here today (Monday ) but obviously won't be here Thursday. I've paid her £100 for the week- for her 2 hours today and the rest a Xmas bonus. DH says that's a bit tight.

Should I give here some more?

OP posts:
CrotchetyQuaver · 23/12/2024 12:43

My idea of a good Christmas bonus if you value her work and want to keep her is a weeks wages in that sort of job. If you can afford it. People do different things though and at least you've given her something. My DH is a postie, his Christmas tips from his round vary from nothing, via absolutely delicious homemade biscuits from the nuns, wine, tins of chocolates, Christmas puddings (which he loves) to cash tips varying from £5 to £50 but mainly £10 or £20. My point being everyone does it differently.

ClarityClankrantt · 23/12/2024 12:28

You could always put a bit more in her bank account if you are feeling bad. Or is she cash in hand?

Original poster
romanfriendsandcountrywomen · 23/12/2024 12:24

This is DH's point. He says that we didn't expect her to come in on Boxing Day (in fairness she's travelling to Poland tonight) so should pay her for the week plus a bonus.

I worried in case I was being mean.

Just texted my friend who she also cleans for and friend hasn't given anything (!) so I'm feeling better.

Friend is (in)famously tight.

OP posts:
NiftyPeachDreamer · 23/12/2024 12:18

KeeKees · 23/12/2024 11:45

So a £68 bonus and he thinks that's tight? Or is it a £20 bonus because you need to pay for the Thursday anyway?

I doubt OP has to pay for the Thursday. The cleaner would be on a pay as you go basis. No work, no pay.

Of course if OP tells her not to come then she would have to pay her. But Boxing Day is a working day for many.

KeeKees · 23/12/2024 11:45

So a £68 bonus and he thinks that's tight? Or is it a £20 bonus because you need to pay for the Thursday anyway?

Rososos · 23/12/2024 11:17

Would be easier if you had just stated the hourly rate and where you are.

My maths is crap but if I’m correct you pay her £16/hour usually and you’re paying her a £20 Christmas bonus on top of her usual pay which is fine IMO since she’s only doing 2 hours that week.

I think the hourly rate is on the low side if outside of London. If it’s in eg, south London - that’s often the going rate. My old cleaner in London now charges about £18/hour but was cheaper a few years ago. I now live up north and it’s minimum £25/hour in my area.

But I see you were more asking about the Christmas bonus though than the hourly rate in itself - looking at that separately yeah I think the bonus is generous.

RedBlueDotDotDot · 23/12/2024 11:15

Not at all, that’s fine. What did your DH consider appropriate?

NiftyPeachDreamer · 23/12/2024 11:14

No, that's fine. Don't worry about it.

She's getting a £68 bonus which is great.