Silly question - can a nanny be self employed?

[Trying2bMindful]

Hi
I am looking at joining a nanny share later this year and the other parents are currently recruiting. They have found a nanny they like and when they discussed numbers they did not realise the nanny was talking net - they are not from the UK. After I asked whether the amount was gross or net they followed up with her. Clearly the difference between gross & net is substantial!
The nanny has suggested she become self employed so the tax /NIC burden does not fall on the family.
Does this work?
I hope you can help advise.

Not in a nanny share no. it's extremely unlikely. Hmrc has lots of information on this. Google nanny, hmrc and employment status.

Wouldn't have thought so - if one (or 2) bosses direct your work, set your working hours, tell you when you can have holiday / you can't send a substitute in your place to do the job...this is the HMRC definition of employee, regardless of what any kind of contract may say

No no no! Avoid! If they got found out THEY would be liable to pay any and all tax contributions and fined, she should not be SE, but she isn't risking her money, she's risking theirs!

There are very few circumstances in which a nanny can be SE, people who know more about it will be along shortly most likely, but it is really dodgy ground.

See the Part Time Au-Pair message thread as MrAnchovy wrote some great things about employment status on their earlier today.

Thanks all. I thought SE was unlikely for a FT nanny but needed back up!

NannyNick - Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. MrAnchovy sets out the issues perfectly. I will share with the other family.

Ours was for three years but she had 3 families, two during the working week and babysat at weekends. Paid her own NI and tax and had an accountant all perfectly above board.