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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to pay someone cash in hand to look after my 1 year old for a couple of hrs

35 replies

KidderminsterKate · 15/02/2013 16:45

I'm paying a fortune for nursery....have to pay a full day even though I only need it until 3. I work from home so was thinking of just looking for a mothers help or something to come to our home and basically play with Ds for a couple of hrs so I can work. I have school aged kids so usually work after they've all gone to bed so I can catch up.

I was thinking 3 days a week 9-12 for £50 a week. Can anyone see any flaws in this? I'll be working in the next room......

OP posts:
Mogandme · 15/02/2013 16:48

You will have to pay NMW and pay taxes - no one will work for £3.33 an hour.

Mogandme · 15/02/2013 16:49

Ooops its 3 days not 5.. still don't imagine you'd get many takers.

valiumredhead · 15/02/2013 16:51

Advertise it as 'babysitting' and you'll be fine.

Branleuse · 15/02/2013 16:54

get a childminder? they don't chaage nmw

Crawling · 15/02/2013 16:55

I would do it in my house as im a SAHM do you know any SAHM who might be interested?

TattyDevine · 15/02/2013 16:56

You'd get a better applicant for £60 a week - ideally £65 but YANBU

honeytea · 15/02/2013 16:57

50 pounds for 9 hours work is not enough, maybe if you wanted a 14 year old to come and play with your dc it would be ok but all the 14 year olds will be at school.

Lulabellarama · 15/02/2013 16:58

Crawling You'd be breaking the law then

Megsdaughter · 15/02/2013 17:00

Crawling you cant do it in your house unless you are a registered CM.

Crawling · 15/02/2013 17:02

Didnt know that.

highlove · 15/02/2013 17:35

If you're ok with tax evasion, then fill your boots.

highlove · 15/02/2013 17:46

And you're comfortable paying below the NMW and even further below a decent living wage.

NijelTheDestroyer · 15/02/2013 17:48

When does it stop being childminding and start being babysitting though?

As a teen I had a regular babysitting gig in that every Saturday I went to their house and stayed from 6-midnight. I got about £2 an hour to begin.

NijelTheDestroyer · 15/02/2013 17:49

(Genuine question btw, is it just because I wasn't supporting myself?)

grimsleeper · 15/02/2013 17:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

jendot · 15/02/2013 17:56

Legally you have to pay minimum wage. If you are under the £90 something a week you will not need to declare them as 'employed' but it must be their sole job and they must be allowed to work in the uk. Seriously not worth the risk in not doing it in a way that is legit.. If you get found out YOU get a huge fine!

highlove · 15/02/2013 17:56

NI still needs paying.

highlove · 15/02/2013 17:57

Employer's contributions if not employee's.

SamSmalaidh · 15/02/2013 17:58

As long as it is the person's only job and you are paying less than £100 a week (and at least minimum wage of course) then you don't need to register as an employer or deduct tax and NI.

Nijel - childminding is in the childminder's home and is regulated. Childcare by a nanny or babysitter in the child's home isn't, though normal employment law does apply.

grimsleeper · 15/02/2013 18:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SamSmalaidh · 15/02/2013 18:02

Actually I think it's £107 a week - you have to be sure it is the employee's only job though.

smellysocksandchickenpox · 15/02/2013 18:03

"When does it stop being childminding and start being babysitting though" it depends on the location

belfastbigmillie · 15/02/2013 18:05

Babysitting = 3hrs or less per day and only in child's home.

SamSmalaidh · 15/02/2013 18:07

Where did you get that definition belfast? And what difference is there between 3 hours in the child's home and 10 hours?

mercibucket · 15/02/2013 18:07

If you can find someone to do it, why not? It might be hard to find someone, or you could try childminders instead, or even think about an au pair?
It's not 'cash in hand', it's paying in cash