Can you advise me on reducing my nanny's hours?

[Hopefully]

We upped our nanny's days from three to four at the beginning of this year, and have realised that we just don't need this much childcare (I can't earn enough extra to make it worthwhile, basically). Her written contract still states three days, but I'm assuming that this is now usurped by her actual working conditions of four days, which have been in place for 8 months now.

So, legally, where do I stand in reducing her hours? What hoops do I have to jump through? How much notice do I have to give her? Do I have to give her the choice of redundancy or reduced hours?

And don't even get me started on the fear of her having to leave us if she can't find something else for the other two days . She is amazing, but we just can carry the cost of four days any more.

Maybe put out some feelers if anyone in your social circle is looking for babysitting/mothers help?

Then you can do a bad news sandwich

"We think you are fab.
I need to reduce your hours, because it doesn't make economic sense for me.
I told my friends you were fab - and XXX mentioned that she was looking to have someone take YYY to tumbletots on Thursdays; I'm happy to work with you to make sure you're not left out of pocket".

Talk to her, warn her that 4 days a week is not working out so you are looking to go back to 3 days. She may be fine with it and not mind when that starts.

A little while later, give formal notice of the change in hours - amount of notice ideally should be the time period as stated in your written statement of employment (contract). So it may be 4 weeks notice.

If she decides not to take the reduction in the hours, she can choose to leave at the end of the notice period. The role in affect is being made redundant, with the new role of 3 days a week being offered. If they have worked for you for 2 years or more, then redundancy pay will become a factor.

And don't even get me started on the fear of her having to leave us if she can't find something else for the other two days sad. She is amazing, but we just can carry the cost of four days any more.

Explain that to her when you talk about it. The issue for you is cost... the issue for her is likely to be income, so you may be able to come to an agreement which is ok for you both.

You won't know until you talk to her, she isn't a mind reader. So have a chat over a cup of tea/coffee and explain that your work isn't viable 4 days a week much longer.

My current position started with a 4 day week. They then upped it to 5. I'm about to be reduced to 3 while mum is on maternity, then back to 4 after maternity.
I've never minded any of the changes. My employers have always discussed them with me first and given me plenty of notice.
Your nanny honestly may not mind. Just tell her.

Thanks fr the advice, it ties in with what Google was telling me.

I will sit down with her on Monday and explain the situation. Fingers crossed she doesn't hand in her notice on the spot (I'm sure she won't, she has been nothing but professional and fabulous so far).