To give cleaner a week's notice?

[ThisIsNotARealAvo]

We have had s fantastic cleaner for the last 3 years, but since then we have adopted 2 children and DH has started his own business which is not making that much money yet. We need to massively cut back on spending and can't really afford the cleaner any more.

If I give her a month's notice it will be really awkward, plus we could do with not paying her. A week seems a bit sudden. I know she cleans full time for quite a few different people and as she is so good is in demand and would probably get hours elsewhere quite quickly, but it still feels a bit wrong.

She doesn't have a contract or anything, we pay cash weekly.

I would give a month tbh

Can you stretch to two weeks? I'm assuming one weeks notice means she will do one more clean for you after you have given notice. That doesn't seem much time for her to fill that slot with other work.

Split the difference, give her a fortnight.

No, you wouldn't be unreasonable, it's the nature of being self employed.

I'd say two weeks' to a month's notice - she's done a good job for you, treat her like you'd want to be treated. You can also ask her if she needs help finding new clients and post something on a local site/Facebook recommending her - we did this and our cleaner got a raft of new clients as a result.

Maybe a fortnight or I should say 1st sept or something. She comes twice a week atm and gets £60 at £10ph for 2x3hrs. So she'd do two more cleans before she went if I gave her a week.

I used to be a cleaner and was never given any notice! At the end of my 'shift' for a client, I'd ask/text/call them and ask 'same time next week?'

They'd either say yes, so I would schedule them in. Or sometimes said I wouldn't be needed next week as they were going on holiday, had family staying over etc.

As someone else has said above, that is the nature of being self-employed. I didn't think it was the norm to be given notice, and never expected it.

Could you just reduce her hours? With more children in the house, you'll really notice the difference if she stops. I'd give up a lot before giving up my cleaner!

If you can stretch to 2 weeks,I'd do that. Would also be upfront in giving her the (regretful) reason, and also, as EH above, offer to promote and recommend her to others. And tell her you'll be doing that. Finally, send her off with a box of chocs
Could be, in the future, as your finances change,you'll be in need of a good cleaner...

my cleaner gave me a day's notice! But i would give 2 weeks purely for karma

Weekly pay = weekly notice
Don't feel bad, if shes that great you can recommend her to others, give her a glowing reference and for all you know she has people on a waiting list for her services.

Week is fine.

Why don't you give a months notice but tell her if she finds work earlier you'd be happy if she needed to move on. That way you're being reasonable but you may get out earlier than the months notice. A month is the minimum notice I'd give. I think I said something similar to my cleaner as you don't want them turning down work just to fulfil their notice period either.

Can't believe people are advocating giving 1 weeks notice to someone who has worked for the OP for 3 years!

If you really can't afford it then fair enough but otherwise pretty shoddy.

Thanks everyone for your points of view. I think I'll probably give her a month notice but say she can stop sooner if she can find something else.

I am a cleaner, as I am self employed I don't expect more than 1 weeks notice, however when I have had customers give me a couple of hours pay as a thank you for my help, it really makes me feel appreciated, and if they do change their mind or need me again, then I will really go the extra mile to reschedule them in. As a cleaner we do understand life changes, so best be honest about the cash, and who knows you may find they can fit you in monthly or for spring cleans.

What I mean I you don't have to give a months notice if you cant afford it, just give a couple of hours as a thank you

*a couple of hours in money terms

I thin fluffypacman makes a good suggestion. As she's so good and has worked for you for so long, you kind of morally owe it to her, I think. Also, when your financial situation improves, you may want her back!

I'm a cleaner too and totally agree with LDNmum.