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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Rearranging cleaner

22 replies

Heathofhares · 05/07/2021 15:18

Am I right in thinking that it is unreasonable to ask my cleaner to reschedule this week and make up hours next week?

She can’t come this week as my DS is self isolating. I’m right in thinking I need to pay her anyway as it is us who is cancelling? We have always been pretty flexible for times when she hasn’t been able to come and rearranged the hours at another time.

I’m sure it’s clear but DH is not... Please let me know what is the correct thing to do.

OP posts:
Palavah · 05/07/2021 15:18

There's no harm in asking

Wynston · 05/07/2021 15:37

Ask what she would like to do.
She may well have a full diary and unable to do additional hours.
If someone cancelled me at short notice I would expect payment.
Hope you're dc is ok.

CoffeeNeeded2019 · 05/07/2021 15:40

You should definitely expect to pay her
She might offer to rearrange for next week but you can’t ask her to I don’t think

CaptainHammer · 05/07/2021 15:42

Ask if she can do extra next week instead but be prepared for her not to be able to fit you in. Either way you need to pay her as it is you who have cancelled.

Gunpowder · 05/07/2021 15:42

Is your DS isolating as he has symptoms or because he’s a close contact/someone in his bubble has Covid? If it’s just your DS isolating and he doesn’t have symptoms, couldn’t he stay in his room while the cleaner does the rest of his house? She could skip his room.

warmfluffytowels · 05/07/2021 15:48

You need to pay her as usual as you're the one changing the arrangement.

I really wouldn't ask her to make the hours up elsewhere - she may be full and if she is, it's not fair for her to miss out on a weeks' pay because you have to cancel.

FawnFrenchieMum · 05/07/2021 15:52

Its not unreasonable to ask if she can but its also not unreasonable for her to say no she can't fit you in. Most cleaners I know are fully booked so she may not be to.

Blackhawkdown2020 · 06/07/2021 03:18

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

Clymene · 06/07/2021 03:32

You pay her. She is willing and able to work: it's not her fault you don't want her to come. And no, you can't ask her to work double hours next week.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 06/07/2021 04:14

Pay her regardless, if you need a bigger clean next wk ask if she could do it and pay her accordingly

Sportysporty · 06/07/2021 07:22

Wish all of you had the same attitude to hairdressers 😂

xyzandabc · 06/07/2021 07:26

You need to pay her either way. You could ask nicely and in a non pushy way if she might be able to do extra next week instead. But if she says no, then that's absolutely fine.

FindingMeno · 06/07/2021 07:29

I understand your side because its not a cancellation you chose. But from her side, it's not her fault either, and you shouldn't expect her to lose pay or make up time.
You could ask, perhaps, if she'd take some ironing, but if she's a good reliable cleaner I'd suck it up.

Bksjshsbbev2737 · 06/07/2021 07:31

You should pay her and it’s fair to ask if she can come next week instead but if she doesn’t have the time then it’s equally fair for her to say she can’t

HarebrightCedarmoon · 06/07/2021 07:38

Yes, and no. It would be very nice if you did, but you are under no legal obligation, unless you have agreed terms about cancellation. She is running a business and you aren't her employer. 24 hours notice to reschedule should be fine, same as the hairdresser. It's not her fault but it isn't yours either.

Clymene · 06/07/2021 08:54

@HarebrightCedarmoon

Yes, and no. It would be very nice if you did, but you are under no legal obligation, unless you have agreed terms about cancellation. She is running a business and you aren't her employer. 24 hours notice to reschedule should be fine, same as the hairdresser. It's not her fault but it isn't yours either.
It's not the same as a hairdresser at all unless you go every week. What if the cleaner has no other availability to 'reschedule'?
CrotchetyQuaver · 06/07/2021 09:49

Not a cleaner but similar. When this happened to me, I was paid throughout the 10 day isolation period that I didn't work. I go every weekday normally.

I think you should pay her, it's not her fault she can't come to yours.

CrotchetyQuaver · 06/07/2021 09:50

Gah I don't think I made it clear --THEY had to isolate not me

HarebrightCedarmoon · 08/07/2021 10:19

It's not the same as a hairdresser at all unless you go every week. What if the cleaner has no other availability to 'reschedule'?

It's not really the OP's problem, it's the cleaner's business and his/her issue.

Clymene · 08/07/2021 11:04

@HarebrightCedarmoon

It's not the same as a hairdresser at all unless you go every week. What if the cleaner has no other availability to 'reschedule'?

It's not really the OP's problem, it's the cleaner's business and his/her issue.

Well if you were my client, I'd ditch you and get a new one that treated me decently Smile
Simbacatisback · 08/07/2021 11:07

Why cant she come? Your DS does not have covid.
Just dont let them be in the same room
The rest of the family are free to come and go as you please.

maddening · 08/07/2021 11:15

My cleaner and I are always happy to move around each other, being give and take means best for both of us, when she wants to change we just rearrange and vice versa. Being flexible is good for a working relationship.

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