To ask cleaner why she is being so off with me?

[TrinidadQueen]

She can't look me in the eye.
Is rude in texts. Not saying hi just saying 'That's fine.'etc.

I have asked her to work shorter hours this week but made it clear she will have more next week. I have also let her know the schedule late but explained that was because of my own workplace letting me know late. I know she is experiencing some health issues and do wonder if it is spilling into work. Although I have already told her she can work less hours if needed, she did not seem keen on this idea.
Just not sure how to approach this.

Are you still paying her the same this week? Or just expecting her to bow to your wishes and do them next week to make up? To me extra hours are just that, on TOP of regular hours. I'd be off with my employer too if they were messing me about the way you have

You haven’t given any examples of her being rude at all 🤷‍♀️ You cut her hours and said she can do more next week. You said that you know she has health problems, working longer hours may cause problems with her health, but she likely needs to make the money up. If you are cutting her hours this week at the last minute, you really should be paying her for the usual hours, not expecting her to work longer hours next week. This is her job, you are messing her around! She could have all kinds of worries and the lack of ‘hi’ in her text could be about her being stressed to hell, not aimed at you!

As you have already brought up the subject of her doing shorter hours if she wishes, she may think this is what you want and this is a precursor to you cutting her hours. Or maybe having to do more hours next week to make up her money will be difficult for her.

If you think there is an issue, why don't you just ask her if she is annoyed about something?

To be honest, I think if I had been presented with this fait accompli I would feel a bit put out too, especially if I was worried that this might not be a one-off but the start of a more "flexible" arrangement.

Servants are such a pain aren't they ?

Why would your change of working hours affect how many hours your cleaner works? The amount of housework remains the same. Consistency is key here.

You'd probably have the hump as well if someone treated you like that

Some people live hand-to-mouth OP, she's relying on the weekly pay to pay for food, transport, bills etc. She's not your lacky , be respectful of her hours. Would you be happy if she suddenly told you she's not coming in, coming in when you're wfh or staying longer at short notice, don't think so. Respect goes both ways.