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Original poster

Nanny and time off problem.

35 replies

knackeredmother · 17/05/2013 22:11

I would be grateful for some help and opinions on how to handle this.
We've had our part time nanny 2 years, we had a LOT of teething problems, mainly around us being pushovers and not really managing things very well. She was very inflexible and we were too flexible (e.g she couldn't stay 15 mins over finishing time even once in an emergency despite regular early paid finishes).
Anyhow we had a frank chat and we improved our assertiveness skills and things have been much improved.
Fast forward to today, we mainly need our nanny to cover school holidays and obviously the 6 week holiday. We suck up the year round cost when kids are at school so that we don't have to worry about the long holidays.
She had asked for 2 weeks holiday in August which isn't ideal as I can't take 2 weeks leave then but I said yes as I appreciate the need for a holiday. Today however she has said she wants 3 weeks holiday (something to do with better for flights). She has suggested her nanny friend covers the extra week and she takes it unpaid (She doesnt have enough leave left to take 3 weeks as leave).
The other nanny can't work the same days as my nanny so we would have to do a lot of rearranging.
So basically, we employ a nanny mainly to give us cover for school holidays but our nanny wants HALF of the 6 week holiday off.
Now I can't work out if this is a piss take or the fact she has presented a solution is fine?
If it is fine how would this work? Would I have to employ the other nanny for that week? Could she invoice me and I just pay and she sort her own tax and NI?
I have no doubt that this is non negotiable for my nanny.She would leave if I say no although there are few other jobs where we are so she may stay but just hate us! If she leaves I then have the hassle of finding a new nanny.
This is long and rambling but I could do without this hassle. A nanny is supposed to make life easier surely?!
I would appreciate any thoughts, thank you for reading.

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KarlosKKrinkelbeim · 17/05/2013 22:42

She's taking the piss. I hate to be brutal but there are plenty of nannies out there looking for work at the mo. i think you can put your foot down from a position of relative strength.

AndBingoWasHisNameOh · 17/05/2013 22:42

Let her resign. Sounds like she doesn't respect you.

OutragedFromLeeds · 17/05/2013 22:37

I think it depends why she needs the holiday and what your contract says.

If it's something that is very important to her and she is offering to take it unpaid then I would consider getting a temp nanny or putting the kids into a holiday club for those days (you can get a full day 8:30-5:30 for £36 per child here).

Seb101 · 17/05/2013 22:28

I had a job like this before and it was written into the contract that i couldn't take annual leave during the school holidays. It was very clear from the start. I was happy with this because I had a lot of free time while kids at school, and was still paid full time. In balance it was fair.
Your nanny is being unreasonable, as long as you've explained to her the rules from the onset. If no holiday restrictions have ever been discussed, it's not fair to suddenly decide that now.
However, either way I'd probably still say; tell her 'no' if she leaves, let her leave! I wouldnt like feeling that the nanny 'had me over a barrel!'
Makes no difference if she's offered an alternative, it's still a lot of hassle for you. You as an employer can say no to holiday, and in this case I think you should. She actually sounds a bit unpleasant; the way you say 'she'd prob stay and hate us!' That sounds very immature of her. I'm not sure I'd particularly like a nanny like that looking after my kids! Good luck with whatever you decide. Xx

nannynick · 17/05/2013 22:22

Great point ChippingIn Smile

If nanny is able to take holiday during term time, then surely doing so is cheaper than going in August, plus probably less busy at the airport.

ChippingInLovesSunshine · 17/05/2013 22:19

Tell her it will be even cheaper in October??

Tigglettchic · 17/05/2013 22:19

When i was a nanny i would never have dreamed doing that!!

i would have a frank conversation with her but also start looking for a new one.

learn from this experience though.

nannynick · 17/05/2013 22:18

She doesnt have enough leave left to take 3 weeks as leave.

I feel that's important. She is wanting more leave than she has available to take, so as the employer you are perfectly entitled to refuse, in my view.

we employ a nanny mainly to give us cover for school holidays
Does the contract or any other documents specify that... such as restricting holidays to be taken during term time only unless exceptional circumstance?

If she leaves I then have the hassle of finding a new nanny.
That is something you need to consider. If she is a great nanny all round, then you don't want her leaving.

rubyslippers · 17/05/2013 22:15

Let her leave

Most employers don't offer three week holidays unless in exceptional circumstances like a honeymoon

rubyslippers · 17/05/2013 22:14

It's totally unreasonable IMO

What does her contract say re holidays?

She has not offered a reasonable alternative - ie her replacement can't even cover your days