Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to pay cleaner half wages if they couldn't get in.

237 replies

couchparsnip · 27/04/2025 12:03

We have a brilliant cleaner who we don't want to lose but I am not sure what the done thing is here and what she would consider fair.
She was due to clean last week while we were on holiday, so we have a key safe so she can get in.

Unfortunately my friend, who was feeding the cat, forgot to replace the key in the safe. So my cleaner arrived but was unable to get in. My friend was at work so couldn't come round with the key.
I need to compensate the cleaner for her wasted time but do I give her the full 3 hrs or 1.5 hours.
She probably spent 15 mins trying to get in and phoning me plus travel time of about 30 mins there and back.
She's employed by an agency and I pay her directly. The agency provides cover if she's sick etc.
Should I cover what she was expecting to earn or just compensate for the wasted time plus a bit extra?

You are being unreasonable - pay her the whole amount
You are not being unreasonable - pay her half

OP posts:
chattyness · 27/04/2025 12:50

It wasn't her fault, did you really need to ask? Pay up in full.

Notsandwiches · 27/04/2025 12:50

Full payment. None of this is her fault.

Lilactimes · 27/04/2025 12:50

Without a doubt she is owed the full amount.

Bingbopboomboomboombopbam · 27/04/2025 12:51

Why would she be penalised for your mistake?

Baffling.

luckylavender · 27/04/2025 12:52

couchparsnip · 27/04/2025 12:03

We have a brilliant cleaner who we don't want to lose but I am not sure what the done thing is here and what she would consider fair.
She was due to clean last week while we were on holiday, so we have a key safe so she can get in.

Unfortunately my friend, who was feeding the cat, forgot to replace the key in the safe. So my cleaner arrived but was unable to get in. My friend was at work so couldn't come round with the key.
I need to compensate the cleaner for her wasted time but do I give her the full 3 hrs or 1.5 hours.
She probably spent 15 mins trying to get in and phoning me plus travel time of about 30 mins there and back.
She's employed by an agency and I pay her directly. The agency provides cover if she's sick etc.
Should I cover what she was expecting to earn or just compensate for the wasted time plus a bit extra?

You are being unreasonable - pay her the whole amount
You are not being unreasonable - pay her half

Why on earth would you pay her less? Not her fault

Original poster
couchparsnip · 27/04/2025 12:53

I think I worded this wrong and made myself look like the idiot! DH thinks we should just pay for her wasted time, I think we should pay her in full. I will show him this poll and do what I wanted to do. Thanks x

OP posts:
ThisWOMANWontWheesht · 27/04/2025 12:53

WTAF? Do you think she cleans for fun? She needs her wages and it’s YOUR fault she was unable to do the job she usually does very well.

Unbelievable you needed to ask.

ETA just seen your update. Ask your DH how he’d feel to have his pay docked for someone else’s error.

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 27/04/2025 12:55

FFS. She tried to keep up her end of the agreement. Just pay the woman what she is owed.

Middlechild3 · 27/04/2025 12:55

couchparsnip · 27/04/2025 12:03

We have a brilliant cleaner who we don't want to lose but I am not sure what the done thing is here and what she would consider fair.
She was due to clean last week while we were on holiday, so we have a key safe so she can get in.

Unfortunately my friend, who was feeding the cat, forgot to replace the key in the safe. So my cleaner arrived but was unable to get in. My friend was at work so couldn't come round with the key.
I need to compensate the cleaner for her wasted time but do I give her the full 3 hrs or 1.5 hours.
She probably spent 15 mins trying to get in and phoning me plus travel time of about 30 mins there and back.
She's employed by an agency and I pay her directly. The agency provides cover if she's sick etc.
Should I cover what she was expecting to earn or just compensate for the wasted time plus a bit extra?

You are being unreasonable - pay her the whole amount
You are not being unreasonable - pay her half

Full pay, she doesn't work for you for fun. It was her fault access was blocked.

Hoppinggreen · 27/04/2025 12:55

It wasn't her fault she couldn't clean so you need to pay in full

Mickeychampionwhatgoodami · 27/04/2025 12:57

The husband is an idiot
Stump up and pay the woman.

commonsense61 · 27/04/2025 12:57

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Debinaround · 27/04/2025 12:57

JifNtGif · 27/04/2025 12:42

I wouldn't be happy if I was an employee and I would be in the right. However, if I was on a zero hours contract I would be resigned to it. Also I would have some free time to look for more work.

Show quote history

Ah so it’s not ok for you not to get paid if you couldn’t get into your work through no fault of your own but it’s ok for someone else to. Right gotcha. 🙄

PourUsAGlass · 27/04/2025 12:59

Definitely pay the full amount, it wasn't her fault she couldn't do the clean.

Notimeforaname · 27/04/2025 12:59

Yes you pay the woman..if my job was closed when I showed up, I wouldn't be paying for their mistake 🤣

OhHellolittleone · 27/04/2025 13:00

It’s not even about ‘fair’ and you being nice about it. You’re obliged to pay her. She tried to do her job. She can’t just go and earn the money somewhere else in those 2 hours. I’m shocked you’re even considering this. It’s not up to you!

NachoChip · 27/04/2025 13:00

Most cleaners say you pay in full if you cancel within 24 hours because they've lost the opportunity to earn money during the window of time they've allocated to you. So you pay her full.

Twiglets1 · 27/04/2025 13:02

Tell your husband not to be so tight @couchparsnip

LochKatrine · 27/04/2025 13:02

Pay her the full amount.

3peassuit · 27/04/2025 13:04

Pay up.

FozzieWozzieWasABear · 27/04/2025 13:06

She should be paid the full amount either by you or your , who forgot to replace the key. Poor woman, it wasn’t her fault she couldn’t get in!

Miaowzabella · 27/04/2025 13:07

Pay her. Take it up with your stupid friend.

BatchCookBabe · 27/04/2025 13:07

I can't believe you even have to ask. Of COURSE you should pay her in full. Good grief!

herbalteabag · 27/04/2025 13:07

You have to pay her the full amount because she couldn't replace her lost earnings by cleaning another property at such short notice.

OoLaOoLa · 27/04/2025 13:08

Pay her, it’s not her fault.

Swipe left for the next trending thread