Cash in hand?

[scotscorner]

We have recently got a new cleaner and she has been very clear about cash in hand only (first time we’ve met her). The old ones were very professional; had invoices and clearly trying to run it as a proper business - though same price!

It got me thinking about how I feel about cash in hand. Obviously it doesn’t absolutely mean that someone is failing to declare income but it’s an indicator. Interested in views - does ‘cash in hand’ put you off hiring a tradesperson / self-employed person or do you think it’s none of your business?

YANBU - it would put me off
YABU - it’s none of your business

Not really the point. Which was about tax evasion. Which is a lot easier when you’re being paid £20 an hour cash in hand.

You're the one going on about cleaners earning 40k per year on £20 an hour.

Basic common sense will tell you hat they're clearly not earning anywhere near that amount, even if they're not paying any tax on their earnings!

@OneMoreTime23

The idea that cleaners can work an 8 hour day is just unrealistic.

I'm exhausted just looking at my cleaner.

It's a very physical job and once she's done at my house I sincerely hope she's going home.

She does 4 hours every 2 weeks.

And needs the money as her full time job in a care home, for which she pays her full tax, isn't enough to live on.

Good luck with getting someone who'll work for that! And why should they? Would you clean up after someone who thinks you'd be tempted to steal from her if she didn't hide her valuables for a tenner an hour? The NMW is more than that, and the real living wage is over £12 outside of London.

I pay my cleaner either cash or bank transfer, depending on whether I've been to the cashpoint. I try to remember to go, as she comes to me on a Friday and does her shopping afterwards and it's easier for her if she has the cash in her purse.

YANBU.
I have sometimes paid cleaners in cash but it was a real nuisance doing so. Most cash machines have disappeared around here and I always found it difficult to make sure that I had the right amount each week. In most cases the cleaner eventually agreed to transition over to bank payments.

I recently advertised for a new cleaner and was clear upfront that I was only willing to pay by bank transfer. One cleaner still tried to insist on cash, but I pointed out that I got paid via bank transfer and that anyone working in a shop, hospital or school would always be paid via bank transfer, so her argument rather fell apart at that point and we politely agreed not to take it any further. I found someone else without too much trouble.

I am a good customer, am kind, hospitable and always give a Christmas gift or bonus. I try to pay all year round, including when we are away. If they ever ask for extra work I generally come up with something that they can do and pay them at the usual rate.

I also paid my previous cleaner a retainer during one of the Covid lockdowns, as I knew she needed the money, which I am sure a lot of people didn’t do!

Always paid cleaners cash on hand. In fact don't know anyone who doesn't unless they use an agency.

I wouldnt pay cash in hand, I'd rather pay someone who is declaring things correctly and all above board.

Just make sure they have insurance

You need to go back and ask them for a FENSA certificate if you ever want to sell the house, new windows need to be certified.

I never have cash. I pay my cleaner with PayPal

I agree, if I was paying someone else on UC, I wouldn't want 70% of the money to go to the government in income tax, NI and UC deductions. I'd rather the person kept 100% and I'd hope that they'd also keep the money in our local community. I'd trust them more than the government to spend it wisely.

I wouldn't care and I'd mind my own business. Lots of self employed people are cash only, my old hairdresser is, so is every tattoo artist I've ever used.

There’s been many posts on here over the years about cleaners not being paid in a timely fashion. Maybe they’re cash only because they can’t afford to wait for people to decide to pay them.

I pay my cleaner in cash and honestly if she doesn't pay tax good for her

Unless they show you their tax return, how would you ever know for sure?

I use a mobile hairdresser who only takes cash.. same with the lady who did my wedding makeup, cash only doesn't bother me.

Good for her? You do realise what taxes pay for? Or do you not use the NHS?

Too many cleaners are getting fed up with owners not remembering to pay on
time .
Makes sense to leave cash out as you are at their house anyway.

Also does nobody want to keep cash going ? Why does it always have to be a red flag, it’s a form of payment .

This is what my cleaner said and my window cleaner. They get messed about by clients.

I use the ATM and keep cash topped up for various reasons.

You'd be surprised at how often people find an excuse not to transfer money instantly. She's probably pig sick of being dicked around. Nothing wrong with wanting cash.

Of course, but people making minimum wage and struggling should not pay taxes meanwhile gigantic companies don't have to.

Name changed.
Im a professional and I pay 41% tax on everything I earn over my “basic” wage.
Damn right I’m not going to work for someone privately at my normal rate “through the books” (£20-£40 per hour) since if I pay tax on it it becomes ridiculously low paid for my skills and experience - I’d be taking home less than minimum wage.
If someone wants me to go through the books then I need to charge them more. Which I’m happy to do, obviously.

I only have a few private clients at a time though so it’s not much extra money. I feel no guilt.

Cleaners are often treated like servants that should be thankful for the opportunity to clean and who definitely do not have to be treated with respect. Cash means they do not have to chase 'forgetful' clients and are paid for their service on the same day.

If she’s cash in hand meaning she isn’t declaring her income, as opposed to just asking for cash rather than another payment method, then she is unlikely to be a legitimate business.
All well and good until she damages your home and doesn’t have any public liability insurance to pay for it. I’m not talking about breaking an ornament but things like failing to secure your home leading to a burglary or leaving water running and flooding the place after she’s left…

I have PL insurance and my cover is £2million. A lot to try and claim from someone who isn’t insured…

I set my clients up on a direct debit with Go Cardless which means I get paid on time and clients don’t been to remember to leave payment or have cash available

Insurance isn't a legal requirement for any cleaning company, and has nothing at all to do with the preferred payment method.

The only way to tell if your cleaner is insured is to ask to see the documents.