New restrictions and my cleaner

[sunlight81]

Pretty simple really government said :

From Monday, people in England who "can't work from home" will be "actively encouraged to go to work"

I asked my cleaner if she was starting back to work soon, I would leave the house while she was there and she would wear a mask - she will be cleaning the house, removing germs, wearing a mask and socially distancing.

DSis says I am being unreasonable as it's still lockdown and she can bring germs in on her clothes.

I think I'm helping a self employed person (not entitled to help as a new business) and getting help to keep the house tidy as it's very hard working from home 3 days a week, looking after a 1yo and being pregnant.

I'm prepared to be flamed but feel the risk is minimal with the benefit being very high.

To add (so I'm not drip feeding) I have paid the cleaner 50% during lockdown.

My MP's advice from the beginning of last week was that you could use your cleaner

I think gloves would be important as well - clean gloves each time she entered the house.

Maybe talk to her and ask if she would feel safe. It's as risky for her as it is for you.

Cleaners just replied and said she would use gloves and a mask. Agreed to be out of the house when she gets here and come back when she's left.

Could you not do cleaning yourself?

The government updated the guidance recently to allow cleaners/ nannies but didn't publicise it. I would say if you and your cleaner are happy and have discussed how to minimise risk (which you have) then go for it

I’ve had my cleaner in to do a big deep clean while I went out and about for a bit. It helped her and it massively helped me. I fully intend to do it again and then have her back regularly, once R has dropped and stayed down. She’s taking precautions, as am I.

Cleaner here.. Not sure any of my customers can have me back right now . Over 70, got dc at home, self isolating, and the rest are NHS workers - would not be happy going there tbh!!
If I get the grant that's great but after that I have to sit and await invites to return I suppose!!

Is having your house cleaned essential?
If you are physically unable to clean your own home, please accept my apologies but otherwise why not just crack on with it?

Didn't realise the government have approved cleaners and nannies can go back to work if they are symptom free. A quick google has loads of press reports saying the same.

As per my original post I'm pregnant, looking after a 1yo and working from home 3days a week (professional senior position for a large scale company) - I'm exhausted and need help, so in my opinion fairly essential

It's not essential, but if you and she are happy with it then that's all good

I have paid my cleaner for the last 8 weeks as she stopped before lockdown. I am leaving it up to her but if she doesn't come back this week then I will stop paying her.

@mrscampbellblackagain Wow!! I think if Id have been pay in full for two months I would feel the same.

Cleaner is happy to come back, I'm happy to for her to clean (under my he conditions mentioned) so I think job done.

Told my DSis we will agree to disagree!!

Only thing is not everyone shows symptoms. So it’s down to you and what you feel is best.

Legally they're allowed to come, but I think there has to be a risk assessment and an honest assessment of how much you need one. We've got our nanny coming now as otherwise I will need to quit my job, as 4dcs are not possible to manage while both working full time, however am paying our cleaner not to come for a few more weeks - she's in and out of loads of homes, and a number of businesses, and while I'm so tired of cleaning we can just about manage.

We're going to reassess once we have more clarity on whether our DS3 will be going back to school on 1 June - once he's there, it seems like risk will increase anyway.

Oh, I didn't know the guidance had changed. I am missing my cleaner so much at the moment.

I think if you and your cleaner have an arrangement you are happy with then go for it.

I've contacted my customers this morning. Half can't have me back yet ( wich I knew) 2 want me to start next week, the rest want to wait til June and see were the land lies. ( I haven't been paid by anyone )

I’m still paying my cleaner but have not asked her to come back to work yet. She has to use the tube to get to me and works for a number of people, so I’m still not comfortable with the level of exposure/interaction she has with other people.

It’s up to the individual cleaner.

I’m a cleaner who would happily go back to work under your conditions however lots of of my clients are elderly and housebound, have carers coming in while I’m there and at other times during the day. Also I have one primary aged child and no childcare or partner so can’t actually go back to work.

Agreed with mine that she will start again later this week with safety measures in place.