Cleaning lady conundrum - WWYD?

[Idlewild]

My cleaning lady is on the fiddle. She is supposed to clean for us for 3 hours per week. I have suspected for a while that she hasn't been doing all 3 hours: quality has been declining quite a bit and when i've come home around the time she's supposed to be finishing there's been no sign of her and the floors have been bone dry as if she left a while before. I haven't had any concrete evidence though and as she's normally quite a nice lady I've given her the benefit of the doubt.

She was here this morning and I happened to be around. She arrived at 25 past 9. I popped back home unexpectedly to get something at 25 past 11 and there was no sign of her. Again the floors were dry. She had however completed her timesheet to the effect that she was there between 5 past 9 and 12. She really is taking the piss as we always tip her and stuff and I've bought baby presents for her numerous grandchildren.

I can't get past the fact that this is really dishonest but equally it's a total hassle finding a new cleaner. Wondering whether just to let her know we're onto her via the agency and give her more jobs to do on top of what she does already.

So, any ideas? I live in quite a small village so whatever happens I will bump into her from time to time and I don't want it to be awkward.

I don't think ledkr's experience is necessarily typical of employing a cleaner Just in case anyone is considering getting some help...

Thanks v much for all the responses. You're all right, I can't trust her anymore. I had been in denial but 4 quid had gone missing from one of DC piggybanks in the past couple of weeks. I had put it down to me having forgotten I'd borrowed it and having forgotten to return it, but after today I'm not too sure....

Luckily I work from home so I can be around when cleaners in. I had got into the habit of going out though as I don't like hanging around watching her (on mat leave at mo). Guess I had become too trusting. Give people an inch and all that.

One more thing: ledkr

Yes, just get rid. Cleaners are a dime a dozen.

Its a hassle finding a new cleaner but why pay someone who is not actually cleaning. Find someone new and teach her a lesson.

The possibility of her wanting to keep her job i would say is very high but works in your favour, the cleaner has now got to the point of taking the piss and got too comfortable...

Few options: Mention breifly that theres a possibility that you are no longer in need of a cleaner or reducing her hours as it clearly isn't taking 3 hrs to clean and that perhaps you feel you/family members can take it on......she'll get off her ass and have you believing that you need her and then all of a sudden theres 'other' little jobs to suddenly take to task.
Also increase the workload...theres ALWAYS something that needs done eg. doors/skirting, windows/shower screens, ironing, mirrors,hoovering sofas/curtains, little visable mudane tasks etc.
Give a few days/weeks leaving deliberate marks and stain, coffee/tea, toothpaste, deodorant or hairspray is always good

Or sack her!

How do you not know if your floors have been cleaned, even if they're dry? Are they cleaner than when you left, or aren't they?

Irrespective, the point of having an agency is so they can sort this stuff out. Tell them that she's not suitable, tell them why, ask for another cleaner.