to think this is a total pisstake and turn the job down?

[WaterGypsy]

Was offered a job as a CM assistant months ago by an aquaintance. Had to do 1st aid course, CRB check etc.

Have just been informed that I can start next week as the paperwork is all back. Apparently I need to register as self employed, and am then expected to do 2 school runs and a nursery run, plus trips out to soft play, parks etc in my own car and 'claim the fuel back'. All for the princely sum of £5 ph. Apparently 1/2 mile each way is too far for the 4year olds to walk to school. It is probably also worth mentioning that I walk almost eveywhere as my old banger is on her last legs and when she goes I won't be able to replace her.

Is this legal? Will my insurance cover me to do this? And most importantly is it even worth it? She also wants me to fork out 40 bleeding quid for 2 printed work shirts!

I'm a CM - it sounds like she's trying to have an assistant without all the hassle of PAYE, but with all the liabilities she's imposing on you it sounds more like a partnership - but without the benefits of a partnership for you.

I would call the NCMA (or SCMA if you're in Scotland) and ask their advice.

To be honest it sounds to me like you'd be better off just setting up as a CM on your own. Check here to see if there's a lot of demand for a childcare in your area.

Good luck!

she is having a laff , at your expense ,financial and otherwise , think about it , apart from all other costs , its the true cost per mile , not simply the juice , you do have the necc .car seats for the kids too ?

I have dd's car seat - presumably she would supply the rest

Just received the following text, after a lengthy conversation yesterday where I tried to explain that I thought expecting me to pick up the fuel bill for ferrying her mindees around was taking the piss;

'Hun I have tried to work something out both financially and juggling children so that you can walk the school runs but it's just not going to work. I have to go where the business is and that requires transport. I don't know what else I can do/say the job is yours if you want it but you do need to use your car, maybe not every day but again I can't confirm how often etc x it's up to you, just let me know if you still want the job x'

Any suggestions for my 'stick it up your arse sideways' reply? (I can't actually put that, it's a small village and I'd rather not piss her off completely - same social circle etc)

A simple, 'I can't accept this job. It doesn't work for me. Best of luck finding someone!'

The.end.

Who cares about her problems? They're hers, not yours. Your car's a beater, you can't use it for this type of work and she's taking the piss out of you with this offer. I'd be livid if someone tried this on me or someone I loved!

I'm not sure you can be self employed if you are only working for one employer either - income needs to come from more than one source.....

Yep, just something along the lines expat has put will be fine!

I've just asked DH (tax accountant).

You would not be self employed because you only have 1 client (your friend) and you would be restricted in taking on other work.

Your friend is breaking the law.

What about sick pay/maternity pay/injury at work etc... You would need to buy insurance to cover these.

You would need extra insurance to cover your car - my mum was a carer and was required to do this.

I would reply with something like:

"Having looked into the legalities of what I can and can't claim back as expenses plus the extra costs of insuring my car for employment use, it really won't be financially viable for me to take the job. I hope you find someone else soon".