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Original poster

Nanny off with depression

86 replies

FionaSR · 26/10/2011 18:04

Our nanny is off with depression having attempted suicide.

I do not want to make things worse for her but am worried how reliable she will be looking after my 3 year old. It's a demanding job and can be quite lonely which could be quite difficult for her. My DD is bright and active so you need to be alert.

She has only been with us for since the beginning of the summer but she's been good until now.

Also, I have no idea when she may come back. I cannot afford to pay two nannies but need reliable childcare or I will be out of work.

Do I keep the job open - not sure how - or give her notice ?

OP posts:
magicOC · 26/10/2011 18:41

Rita, the nanny attempted suicide Sad

I too would worry.

Original poster
FionaSR · 26/10/2011 18:39

Can I ask her to tell me when she expects to be able to return to work?

OP posts:
magicOC · 26/10/2011 18:39

Can't advise on the legalities of it all, but, i'm sorry for your nanny she clearly has some problems in her life and I hope she can get the help she needs, but, to be honest I couldn't let her look after my child/children under the circumstances.

I'm actually a nanny not a mum so I can see it from a different angle, and if this was me you were describing, I would not be shocked if you said you had to let me go.

As horrible for her as it is being made redundant on top of everything else that's going on, she needs time to recover.

Find another nanny. You might have to keep the job open for her and she will go on SSP, but, as I said earlier, no idea legally so.......

Where's Nannynick???? He usually has a pretty good idea of stuff like this.

Good luck.

RitaMorgan · 26/10/2011 18:38

Presumably the nanny isn't self-employed though?

Why are you worried about your DD's safety? Depression doesn't make you a danger to children Confused

You need to find out when your nanny is likely to come back, and get a doctor to certify that she is fit to work I think. Is sick pay in the contract? If not just pay SSP and hire a temp.

scarlettsmummy2 · 26/10/2011 18:37

You don't have to pay her sick pay- if she gets a doctor line she can claim statutory, this would be pretty normal (i know as I am doing tis with one of the people on my team who is off for the same reason and has only been with us since july.)

Original poster
FionaSR · 26/10/2011 18:34

And I am paying sick pay

OP posts:
scarlettsmummy2 · 26/10/2011 18:34

You can sack her without giving a reason- she has no employment rights until she has been working for you for a year. Or alternatively she could just claim statutory sick pay- you wouldn't then have to pay her also, and could take someone else on. Might seem a bit harsh but it is a risk for anyone self-employed.

Original poster
FionaSR · 26/10/2011 18:33

Not ofsted registered and contract says 1 month notice. She has been with us a short time so it is not redundancy.

My worry is the safety of my DD?

OP posts:
lesstalkmoreaction · 26/10/2011 18:28

Is she ofsted registered? if she is they will need to be informed.

addictediam · 26/10/2011 18:12

Notice on what grounds? You cant make her redundant as you need a nanny, but AFAIK sacking her for being ill is illegal. What does your contract say about sick leave, pay etc?

Gigondas · 26/10/2011 18:05

What does your contract say about sick leave?