What's the going rate for a babysitter

[gimmegimmegimmeagin]

^ just this . I have no idea as parents usually help out but going on holiday and we're going to a friends wedding reception. The kids will be in bed and very unlikely to wake up so it'll just be a case of being here. Babysitter is 16 and a friend of the family. Probably 7- midnight. How much should I pay her?

@Gymmum82 the minimum wage is set at age in reference to their worker status and the fact that under 18s can't be in full time work. It goes up to reflect increasing costs an over 18 yr old is likely to incur until 23 when living wage takes over.

But it is minimum wage, which we all know isn't enough to live off and shouldn't be a benchmark.

It's fine you're giving this teenager pocket money for minding your kids, but that's what it is, and that's why you wouldn't get anyone other than a15yr old to do it.

Well yes, £30 plus a pizza costs the same as just paying £40-£50 for the babysitting (no one buys the sitter a takeaway these days, they'd rather the payment).

Christ, Do people really leave there children with a teenager who posted a leaflet through the door ???

Make sure they have a DBS and a first aid certificate AND references as a minimum!!!

You’re not leaving them in charge of your dog!!

Pay £15 ph for a registered childminder who does evening babysitting and £10 ph for local teenager who sometimes looks after older child in day time.

and yes going out for a meal is so expensive for us, as we pay minimum £45 for babysitting 😭 no family nearby.