aupair payment dilema

[flowerpower03]

Hi,

I am new to this site, and am keen to find out what other people would do in my situation.we have had many aupairs previously so have experience of lots of different situations. Our most recent aupair managed to loose her door keys a few weeks ago!! Which resulted in us having to replace door locks, should I deduct the cost of this from her payment? Also quite often on a Monday she will come out complaining she is ill after the weekend! And I have to sort out parents/friends to look after children, would you deduct for this? I ask because I feel like she is starting to take the Mick out of the situation and am getting fed up now!! We find our aupairs always start off well for a free months and then its like they can't be bothered anymore!

Any advice would be greatly received.

Thanks

I know some families are lovely to their Au Pairs and that there is nothing exploitive about the arrangement but 5 minutes on GumTree reveals plenty of employers who are taking the piss big time.

I have just found one wanting the Au Pair to work, including housekeeping for 45 hours PLUS three nights babysitting for £110 a week. I know it includes free lodgings but that is pathetic 'pocket money' That type of arrangement has nothing to do with cultural exchange and everything to do with getting childcare and housework done for as little as possible.

Something needs to be done to stop people exploiting au pairs.

no i wouldnt make her pay for lock change tho would warn if happens again i would

and if not fit for work regularly on a monday then you need to tell her its not acceptable and needs to be fit for work at 7/8am monday etc

if it happens again then verbal warning/written and dismissal for the 3rd time

Sunny the thing is statements like the gov.uk site mean au pairs are behind told they don't have those rights. Plus how many will have the money to bring a claim?

The Govt need to stop this misinformation, that would suffice really! NMW already doesn't apply to workers living as part of the family with accommodation provided but because au pairs then don't pay tax it's convenient to say they're not an employee. The number of hours has nothing to do with it. Tax and employment law intersect but are still independent.

The vast majority of the time au pairs are treated fairly but following standard practice for employees in terms of holiday or managing sick leave or dismissing someone means you're never going to be wrong. Years ago there was a thread where an au pair took her employer to a tribunal so it can and does happen, despite how much the Govt are making an employee pay now!

Agree -warn if keys are lost again then she will have to pay for replacement.
Yes to deducting if doesn't work Monday/