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Original poster

Nanny looking for a new job without informing us

66 replies

Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:25

Hi, just wanted some opinions on this...
Got a new nanny for our 2 children (both under 2). She started at the end of last year and told us she was looking for a long term job. This suited us. She has never raised any issues with us regarding the job and we thought everyone was happy.
However, we recently found out that she’s been looking for a new job behind our backs. Saying she’s available to start straight away. We have a contract with a 4 week notice period in place!
Is this a relatively common issue?
Not sure how to go about it all now.
We have as far as we are concerned been quite laid back employers and have sort of ‘left her to it’ - so am surprised this is happening so soon.

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Postapocalypticcowgirl · 11/04/2021 10:52

[quote Autumnsun1985]@Lindy2
Why would you not mention the job hunting? Just out of interest[/quote]
Because then the employer will start looking to replace you, and they may force you out before you have found something else.

You sound very naive, OP.

Bluntness100 · 11/04/2021 10:51

I’d guess she’s not happy, I’d be trying to figure out why.

Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:51

@Lindy2
Why would you not mention the job hunting? Just out of interest

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Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:49

@starfishmummy
I agree. It was more the fact that she’s saying she can work straight away

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starfishmummy · 11/04/2021 10:49

Why would you tell your employer that you are job hunting unless it was a temp contract?

Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:48

Would you mind me asking what you mean by ‘put upon’?

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Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:47

I know she has to be happy. But she’s never mentioned any issues. That works both ways I would have thought.

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Lindy2 · 11/04/2021 10:45

She's entitled to look for a new job. To be looking so soon though would make me think there is something about her current role that she's not happy with.

You've said you've just left her to it. Is she actually ok with that or does she feel put upon?

I wouldn't mention the job hunting but now could be a good time to sit down with her for a while and ask how it's all going and is she happy with everything.

If there's something specific she is unhappy with you might be able to sort it out. She has to be happy as well as you.

Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:42

Thank you for your replies

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Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:41

I have good reason to believe she may leave without working the notice period. So I suppose there isn’t much that we can do about that either.

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Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:39

Yes. I think it was just that she seemed desperate for the job, so it’s come as a surprise. But that’s covid times.

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HumunaHey · 11/04/2021 10:39

Exactly. It's in your best interest not to tell an employer you're looking elsewhere as they might look to replace you before you're ready to leave.

The only thing that's off is saying she can start straight away when you've agreed 4 weeks notice.

CoffeeandCakeEqualsLove · 11/04/2021 10:38

Who would tell their employer that they're looking for a new job before they had an offer? She's only obligated to give you the agreed notice period

Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:35

I suppose I was hoping that she would let us know, but then again, why would she?

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Original poster
Autumnsun1985 · 11/04/2021 10:35

Ok fair enough. I guess not.

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QueenOfPain · 11/04/2021 10:33

She’s no obligation to tell you that she’s job hunting, only to give her agreed notice.