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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dd earning £6 an hour cash in hand for a Saturday/holiday job

123 replies

wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:03

in a hairdresser just doing very basic things, making drinks, sweeping up, general cleaning and answering the phone.

obviously it’s less than minimum wage but she is learning the basics of work.

Some of my family are a bit disapproving - but I feel as if it’s still good experience particularly as she wants to carry on.

AIBU to let her continue until she finds something better?

OP posts:
Noshadelamp · 02/08/2025 02:28

wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:07

I think it’s her choice Seagull, I’m just curious about what people here think as some of my family think it’s unfair to her. My view is - she hasn’t got another job yet.

It is unfair to her, that's why they think that.

What do you think would happen if she asked for the legally required minimum rate?

My dd was in a similar situation with a cafe job. The boss tried to pay her less than mw, which she refused and reminded him of the actual rate. Which he proceeded to pay her.

It's possible your dd's boss is trying it on thinking she doesn't know better or isn't going to stand up for herself.

incognitomummy · 02/08/2025 02:26

£7.55 per hour is min wage for her age

incognitomummy · 02/08/2025 02:23

get her out of there asap.
have they taken her on as an apprentice?
In any case……
It’s illegal. They wont be insured if
something goes wrong.

tell them they need to pay her properly, via Payroll or she needs to find a new role.

slave Labour is against the law.

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates: age, apprentices, previous years.

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Isitreallysohard · 02/08/2025 02:00

Meadowfinch · 02/08/2025 01:41

No, slave labour involves not having a realistic freedom to leave.

They are underpaying her, but I'd be more concerned about lack of insurance.

Good on your dd though for having the resourcefulness to find herself a job at 16. It isn't easy.

Show quote history

But if it's cash in hand, then surely that's illegal. What's to say this type of person doesn't also exploit immigrants?

Ginseng1 · 02/08/2025 01:49

It's great experience for her & super she wants to work and earn. I'd say stay at it but look for something else in the meantime & if she's good & got the experience she probably will soon enough. Why even tell relatives it's cash in hand ?! I'd bet most of us on this forum started off with some sort of cash in hand job doesn't mean to say we are lifers on it!

Meadowfinch · 02/08/2025 01:41

Isitreallysohard · 02/08/2025 01:32

Is that slave labour and illegal?

No, slave labour involves not having a realistic freedom to leave.

They are underpaying her, but I'd be more concerned about lack of insurance.

Good on your dd though for having the resourcefulness to find herself a job at 16. It isn't easy.

Isitreallysohard · 02/08/2025 01:32

Is that slave labour and illegal?

horseplay12 · 02/08/2025 01:30

Also, if she were on the payroll properly, it would help towards her NIC even if she doesn’t pay NI.

Renoonabudget · 02/08/2025 00:39

Less than minimum wage, no insurance, no contract, no rights. They're being cheeky fuckers to not at least give her the minimum wage for her age in lieu of all those protections too!

Having said that my first shop job was £5 a day cash in hand in the mid 90s but I didn't know any better.

Brendahollowayreconsider · 02/08/2025 00:14

No employer liability it's really not worth the risk.

Original poster
wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:08

yes I think I need to think about it further. She has no contract either

OP posts:
SeagullFreeZone · 02/08/2025 00:07

That changes my opinion
She needs to be insured

Original poster
wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:07

I think it’s her choice Seagull, I’m just curious about what people here think as some of my family think it’s unfair to her. My view is - she hasn’t got another job yet.

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 02/08/2025 00:07

wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:05

No she’s not insured I’m sure

In that case I wouldn't be happy about it in your position.

Original poster
wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:05

No she’s not insured I’m sure

OP posts:
SeagullFreeZone · 02/08/2025 00:05

Sorry - see she’s 16.
Why would you have any say ?
Have you a better paid job lined up for her?

ilovesooty · 02/08/2025 00:05

If she's working cash in hand is she insured in the event of injury at work?

TheCurious0range · 02/08/2025 00:05

I didn't think there was a NMW for 16 year olds

Original poster
wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:05

She’s entitled to £7.55 I think strictly speaking

OP posts:
SeagullFreeZone · 02/08/2025 00:04

What age is she ?

Original poster
wildfellhall · 02/08/2025 00:03

She’s 16.

OP posts:
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