to not want to hire my future MIL?

[marzipancustard]

I run my own dog walking business and its going really well have several staff members and am recruiting for more. Future MIL is a childminder and has been for 20+ yrs. She's aware she could earn more working less hours by dog walking and has asked me to employ her.

AIBU to say no? I think she'd be brilliant and would give her all the help she needs to set up on her own but after a bad experience hiring my aunt (which has had disastrous consequences) I don't want to risk any damage to me and MILs relationship. We get on great and future DH's family is v important to me as my own family isn't great. Also little ones are on the horizon and I think that raising them with MIL watching over my shoulder will be tasking enough without adding employer/employee relationship .

WWYD?

I have employees and wouldn't want to employ a family member. Too many conflicts of interests and the other employees will always be looking for signs of favouritism.
I would just tell her this.

Hell no. YANBU. Never ever employ anyone that you aren't happy to fall out with - you know that already after the experience with your aunt.

I'd be really straight with her too, tell her it didn't work out with your aunt and you wouldn't risk that happening again, especially with her.

There is a god reason why they say don't mix business and pleasure. (ie in this case don't employ or work with friends or family).

DH found out the hard way recently when he had no choice but to sack a friend. Unpleasant and upsetting. Long boring story, but anyway i think YANBU to be cautious.

Actually 2rebecca's explanation is much better. But tell her - for whatever reason - it's not happening, and be very clear about that. Otherwise she'll be mithering you every time she knows you're taking new staff on.

god? Good!

Plus if your relationship fails you are stuck with his mother who can make mischief in your business. She's still just your boyfriend's mother at the moment.

Yanbu it is very sensible to not mix family and work. That said, you could help her get a job with another dog walking business (preferably not so close as to be a direct competitor) - perhaps you could employ her on a very strictly temporary basis e.g. as holiday cover or over Christmas - just enough so you can write her a glowing reference and she can then apply elsewhere armed with experience and a reference and a genuine reason (no permanent vacancies available with you) why she is seeking employment elsewhere.

You need to say no - the hard bit is finding a diplomatic way to say it.

I also run a dogwalking business and do employ family - DP, both children and my mum!

Agree it is awkward if there's a cockup though.

Thanks everyone I think I'll just be honest with her. Wish me luck!

I totally agree, and hopefully it wont be too painful for her to explain, considering your willingness to help her with her own business and your experience.

Could you offer to refer some clients to her if they contact you?