Hugely first world problem but are my expectations of a housekeeper too high?

[SlightEmbarrassment]

Prefacing this that I know I’m hugely privileged to be able to afford this etc.

We recently (Feb) hired a housekeeper on a full time basis (8 hours a day Monday to Friday, £45k annual salary) to look after our new house. She’s excellent at laundry and ironing, bed making second to none, but the house is not that clean and definitely untidy. Clothes and toys and STUFF out. Not a tip but not pristine or impromptu guest ready.
Am I unreasonable in expecting dusting, cobweb cleaning, putting things away in this time? I know I could do it myself but I’m paying her (I think) a good salary so I don’t have to.
We have a biggish london house but not a mansion - 6 bedrooms over 4 floors.

Part of the problem is maybe that she’s always talking on the phone on her AirPods, which I’m sure slows her down.

She’s also consistently 15 mins late but leaves bang on time, which again isn’t a huge amount of time she’s missing but feels irritating since I’m not sure the quality of her work is fantastic. There have also been multiple occasions she’s been a lot later due to various issues (dog was sick, plumber etc) but it’s happened more often than I feel is reasonable for such things to arise.

Part of the reason we hired her is my eldest daughter has severe dust mite allergies and associated asthma and eczema so it’s key the house is as dust free as possible to avoid asthma attacks etc. but shelves/ornaments are dusty.

But am I unreasonable in expecting a totally spotless, 100% tidy house everyday for her hours?

Glad to hear you are getting rid, she’s been lucky to have lasted as long as she has.

I'd be looking for another housekeeper.

Surely in a 6 bed house, 4 floors, she could tidy and deep clean the house in 2-3 full days. Leaving the remaining 2-3 days to wash clothes, iron and tweak any messes from the days before. To me, that sounds entirely reasonable.

All I would say, is you're paying £45k and seemingly not providing any line management/feedback. Don't feel bad to ask her when things aren't as you wish. Like your boss would to you if you handed in a half assed report.

If she doesn't agree with your expectations, she can tell you. Did you give her probation period? Is she still in it?

She rally is taking the piss isn't she. Really don't feel bad about letting her go. You've given her two chances already and she's no not even doubt the hours she's contracted for.

Shortchanging on hours like that would be such a breach of trust for me that I would not want her in my home again. I hope you find someone else who does a good job for the good salary you are offering.

We have a nanny/housekeeper and she manages to keep our house clean and tidy AND look after the kids when they are home from school AND prepare (admittedly quick and easy) meals for them.

We get someone else in every now and then to deep clean (oven, fridge, steam clean bathrooms etc) but our house would always be presentable for impromptu guests (bathrooms clean and well-stocked), kitchen worktops clear and clean, floors mopped daily etc.

I think she's taking the piss. Maybe you need to give her clear instructions/a daily schedule.

In any other job doing 4 or 5 hours of the 8 your paid for would be gross misconduct and a sacking offence. So at this point I'm glad you're cutting your losses OP, she needs to go.

Such a silly comment. Do you think it's the norm for people in Scotland and Wales to have a housekeeper 8 hours a day 5 days a week?