Builder brings 12 year old daughter to work

[TinyBuddhettes]

Childcare issues, I get it. This contractor/builder guy is doing up our drive. His daughter mostly stays in his van but yesterday I could see that she was operating the mini digger while he was recording her. This wasn't just a couple of minutes for a photo, it went on for maybe an hour. The two of them were frolicking and being quite stupid really. I was in disbelief watching from inside the house. Our drive is now all digged up and I don't want any awkwardness or the potential of him not finishing the job. Anyone know where we stand with the law? Can we say that from a legal point of view we do not consent to an under 16 being withing the bounds of our property at any point?

As responsible contractors we arrange (and bill the customer for) a portable toilet for jobs of a day or longer. Otherwise our staff will need to use the customer's loo. If they don't want to pay for that, they need to either allow the guys to use their loo (respectfully) or accept them nipping off numerous times per day to find a public loo on chargeable time.

To be fair, both of my teens at 12 would have been able to use a digger perfectly competently. They wouldn't have gone to work though.

Agree, whole thing is most odd. Either she's old enough to operate a digger and therefore be left at home, or young enough to need childcare and not operate a digger!

Personally, i would join them 😆 Not every day you get to drive a digger

If the job is continuing and isn't being delayed/costing more, I could not get animated about this, whether it is playing about on a Friday afternoon at the end of the working week or actively teaching her skills.

Did he phone the client first and ask if it was ok to bring your toddler? How much work did he realistically get done whilst also doing childcare?

I would send a tradesperson home again every time before having their child in my house/property for a whole day. (Speaking after a VERY bad experience) Not only is there a risk they'll break something of yours or injure themselves, it's just plain entitled to rock up to work with your kid unannounced, unless it's a case of I'm so sorry, genuine crisis today, grandparent is collecting him in 20 mins.

OP it's not your fault the builder doesn't want to pay for childcare and also doesn't want to take time off work. What a piss taker.

I would be ok with this so long as I am warned first.

My gardener brings his daughter in the school holidays. She either sits in the van or talks to him as he works. I have no problem with it, but then he doesn't let her use his mower or strimmer. I'm not sure I would be bothered if he did. As long as my garden gets done!

It would depend for me if you are paying him for the job, or an hourly rate

if it is an hourly rate, messing about with his kid is not ideal

If the home owner is running a legal "fucking" site the basics on any job should be provided.

Her employer and her partners employer has to ensure she has access to a toilet yet she did not think to provide that.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents

So if she wants to follow the law and kick off about the underage apprenticeships she is not allowed to pick and mix.

I had a breakdown truck come with a toddler late at night. Felt for the poor kid. A tablet and a packet of crisps to keep her quiet.

It’s fine at 12 to be helping with a digger at home. Not on someone else’s property where they have a legal obligation. Why can’t she stay home ? Twelve is perfectly old enough.

Then either say something or accept it. Not really sure what the issue is.

I seriously doubt that the skills mentioned are 'dying out' 😂

This is a huge overreaction. Would you feel the way if it was his son? And surely you’re paying for the job as a whole, not by the hour.

you could say she can sit in the garden and read and say she can come in and use the loo. That seems the human thing to do.

As long as it doesn't add to the quote I don't see any issue really. A contractor we had in recently did a brilliant job and had his little boy with him. I thought it was quite sweet. Although it is annoying if he's taking ages as a result!

Right?! I mean I’ve had toddlers. What is the expectation when they inevitably lose interest after ten minutes in the building work and want to do something else or run away etc? Because I’m not paying a builder and looking after his toddler - absolutely no chance.

I’ve had women in my team and women I’ve employed at home bring kids and I’ve made a half arsed attempt to entertain them while I’m working and getting about my day because I don’t want their parents forking out for childcare if they can help it. I wouldn’t feel differently about men.

Actually I think this is the way. My dad's not a trade person but a talented amateur and always got me involved in the jobs he was doing. I'm very confident and competent with tools and physical jobs as a result and combined with support for academic success there was never a question I'd be relying on my "looks" for anything.

This. If its liability concerns, get him to sign a waiver, and if it's concerns over costs then tell him.

I remember going to job sites with my dad as a kid. So boring stuck in the van all day, kind of wished he let me on the tools.

Many years ago the local roofer had his young sons up on the scaffolding with him. I couldn't look, I was horrified.

Recently I needed a roof repair, the sons run the business now he's retired.

It's worked well for them, but it really wasn't safe when they were kids. 😱

No - just tell him no. Face to face.

😂 it’s driveways works!

My cleaner (yes I am aware I am v lucky) brings her son with her in the holidays if she needs to. I pay her for holiday for 2 weeks in the summer and a week each over Christmas and Easter but other than that he comes over. It’s fine.

He ‘helps’ her for a bit ( he is 6), and then watches telly, plays with our cats etc. He is a nice lad and I am happy to make him snacks/ drinks if I am about. (I also WFH).

She is a low income parent who is trying to juggle lots of commitments- and we all know the cost of childcare.

My 12 yo is more than capable of being alone at home, but hates it. And I also don’t have an issue the the mini digger etc - but I am a 70s child.

On another note - do you really not let him use the loo? I nurture my builders - I want the good ones to want to return and do a good job! I have high standards etc, but they will be offered tea/ coffee/ chocolate biscuits and bacon butties.

I wouldn't say anything tbh