How much to give cleaner etc for Christmas?

[dolcelatte]

What do you think is reasonable to give/pay cleaner and gardener for Xmas - will be paying them for the Christmas and New Year week but probably ought to do something more, as they are both wonderful, reliable, helpful etc.

I know I am lucky to have help but I don't feel particularly guilty about it as they are more than happy to work and I am more than happy to employ them, but want to be sure that I am treating them fairly.

So you mean a Christmas bonus over and above what you normally pay them?

I usually give an extra week's pay - so they get double that week.

I usually give an extra £20 to my cleaner but couldn't afford more anyway :-)

I normally double what I normally pay x

Ok thanks, that's what I thought ie extra week's pay would be reasonable.

Wow! This is the second thread on here this week that's made me think I should get myself a few cleaning jobs!

I'm giving a paid week off - and a gift - though I'm struggling to think of what to give so I'm watching this thread with interest. I may give 2 paid weeks off.

I'm giving a paid week off and a gift box from lush because I know she likes it.

£20 in her Christmas card (I pay her £15 a fortnight so a bit more than an extra session) and a box of Cadburys biscuits - £4. She is a lifesaver and I want to keep her sweet! Excuse the terrible pun ;-)

Mine is getting a bottle if raspberry vodka for about £18 as I asked a friend of hers what she'd like.

She's choosing not to come between Xmas and new year so I won't be paying her.

feck - i never do anything. she is self employed. would feel patronising to giver her double money. no-one ever does that for me

AIBU??

I pay double that week.

That depends how much you value her services Unsinkable.

I put £50 in my cleaner's card.

I give mine a nice bottle of wine. She loves wine so is very happy as far as I know and she is FAB!

Yes extra week's wages as 'bonus'. She'll get cross with me but she's wonderful and I really appreciate her.

I give mine a bottle of fizz. She loves fizz.

I also worry about this every year.

I usually give an extra week's pay. This year the days she comes don't fall on any bank holidays so I'll probably ask her to come the usual days.

You are all very generous, those who give double pay!

I have got £5 from one customer, a £10 voucher from another (and bottle of fizz) a box of chocolates from another and nothing from a few.

I'm struggling to make ends meet on what I am able to earn, so am looking for a 3rd job/full time work now. Need to earn another extra £5000 - £8000 per year to stop the mortgage growing, so although a little extra is lovely and appreciated it isn't going to make it any easier overall. £5 (or a gift that is reusable) will do nicely, imo!

Thanks Happy. You've answered my 'question' of whether cash or a gift is better.

I do both but my cleaner is a good friend.