Nanny visiting house

[GentleParent]

We are in London and currently self-isolating as a member of our household has coronavirus symptoms (unconfirmed, but being cautious). We usually have a nanny to look after our toddler as we both work full time - but of course she is staying away during our 14 days of isolation. Our nanny lives approx a 25 min bus ride away. She is keen to keep coming once the 14 days is up - although we have reassured her that she still gets paid either way.

My question is - once the 14 days is up, is it reasonable for her to continue to make the journey to our house to look after our toddler 4 days per week (assuming people are still allowed to travel in London by that point)?

I think not, as neither of us is a key worker and our nanny leaving her house and coming to ours is not an ESSENTIAL journey to keep the country running (however essential it feels to us as we try to juggle childcare!). However, I've just seen lots of posts in various local parents' group looking for emergency nannies now that nurseries are closing... So other people clearly think this is acceptable?

AIBU to think that it's not OK to have someone coming in and out of your home for childcare at this time - particularly in London - however stressful the juggle is at home? (If I AM being unreasonable, that would be fantastic news, as it's a nightmare trying to keep 2 jobs going and entertain a busy toddler!)

It's reasonable for her to travel to work. It's not reasonable for her to travel just to visit and you should say no. Having people visit your home is specifically mentioned on the social distancing thing as a no-no.

There's no question of her visiting us to say hello - she would be coming when the 14 days are up to do her job of caring for our toddler. But that job is not essential to keep the country running - she is not a key worker, and neither are we - so my question is whether or not it is reasonable for her to continue to travel to do a non-essential job?

lyra she wouldn’t be travelling just to visit though - it’s her job...
OP it’s perfectly reasonable if you don’t want someone coming into your house fresh from public transport every day, but she would be travelling for work so isn’t, as far as I can see, breaking any rules

Lots of people are travelling to do non-essential jobs. Few jobs are actually essential.

She would be travelling to work so that would be within the 'essential travel' guidelines.

No she should not be coming, either for social or work. If you are not on the list for essential workers you should stay at home. I am glad you are still paying her. If one family member has symptoms its 14 days if another member does, another 14 days. Honestly If i lived in London I would voluntarily lock down the family for the forseeable. We are in this for 4 months at least

@cardibach
This is frustrating, its not about breaking rules!! Its about surpressing the virus. Do we only do things when we are made to?

@Nomorepoliticsplease - Yes, that was exactly my thinking. But I was surprised to then see a flurry of "can anyone recommend a nanny or now-unemployed nursery worker" posts.

Is there any chance of her moving in with you temporarily?

You can travel to a non essential job it’s just the schools and nurseries are only open for those with essential jobs.
Lots of people are still going to work. Even if we were in lockdown that would be allowed.
It’s for you are her to decide whether it is something you want to do or not. She is not looking after children from multiple house so will not be spreading it that way.

In your shoes I'd say no to her coming. I wouldn't want someone making unneccessary travel coming into contact with my kids.

If she really wants to work there are bound to be some key workers who have been left short of childcare that she could help out.

she is not a key worker, and neither are we - so my question is whether or not it is reasonable for her to continue to travel to do a non-essential job?

No it is not reasonable imo. You self isolate, and so does she.

Can you lend her your car if you're working from home? That way she isn't on public transport. Assuming she drives, of course.

Do you have a car? You could perhaps lend it to her for the four days she works for you or drop her and pick her up? It depends how careful she is being with her contact - at this point I would minimise contact with anyone and think by the time your 14 days is up it will be even more vital.

Flowerpot - snap!

No - we don't have a car and she doesn't drive.

Nanny here and still working. The difference with me though is I can drive to work or walk (1 min)
If you can afford to pay her in full I would maybe avoid her using public transport.
But you aren't breaking any rules if she comes in.
I want to work for my mental health hit accept that in a lockdown it may not be possible!

@NoMorePoliticsPlease nannies can still work for non key workers. It is other childcare settings that have to shut (childminders, nurseries etc...)

@NoMorePoliticsPlease I’m aware of that thanks. I think it was clear I meant it doesn’t break the rules for prevention of disease spreading. It is considered by the government to be compatible with not spreading the disease more than they want.
As an aside I’m a teacher and I’d really like to socially distance, but the Head has said all teachers in regardless of how many children need looking after, so I’ll be setting online work in an environment where I’m mixing with fairly large numbers of staff (big secondary school) who are travelling in from a wide area instead of at home. Madness.