Will nanny inevitably ask for more money to look after 2 DCs?

[ShatterResistant]

Hi all. We have a lovely nanny for our 1yr old baby. She's been with us 9 months, we love her, and we think she loves us too. She has 2 older children of her own, and takes our DD to pick them up from school, to her house in the holidays etc. So a NWOC, I think it's called! I'm expecting another baby imminently, and she's staying with us while I'm on maternity leave, which I think (hope) will be a lifesaver. My question is, would it be normal for her to ask for a payrise for looking after both the children when I go back to work? I just want to be ready for the conversation if it happens, and know what the form normally is. Thanks for any help!

When I say "staying with us", I don't mean LIVING with us, I mean staying on to work. Just realised it wasn't hugely clear.

No, nannies are paid per family and not per child. That said, it is nice to offer a slight payrise to reflect the increase in workload and responsibilities. It's usually more of a token amount though than big increase, maybe tie it in with any rise she may be getting after a year.

Re. going to her house in the holidays; if they're there for more than 2 hours at a time she's breaking the law, she needs to register as a childminder. In reality, it's probably fine, but do be aware (in case she has any vindictive neighbours).

I know nothing, never had a nanny, but my sister used to be a nanny.

I would've thought it would be normal for you to initiate the conversation and to put a revised salary to her well before it gets to the point where she has to ask you for a pay rise. Afterall, it's you who is changing the status quo, so I think the onus would be on you to approach her about it, rather than sit back to see if she asks for a pay rise.

Pretty sure you can't pay her the same for double the work load, though! Child minders/nurseries/after school clubs wouldn't accept it, surely a nanny deserves better, too!

Really, Outraged? Wow!

There's a lot to be said for keeping your nose out of things you know nothing about! (Note to self!)

It must be quite a cost effective way to pay for childcare, then, if you can afford it in the first place, that is.

outraged very helpful, and what I was leaning towards- thanks very much. misfitless not so much, but thanks anyway.

No extra wages for additional children which is why it more cost effective with several children. If you would like to offer a pay increase I am sure it will be appreciated but should not be expected.

A small rise may be appreciated at the end of the working year, though your nanny must be pleased you are keeping them on during your maternity leave.

Can you afford to give any rise?

P.s. interesting about the childminding- I think she's pretty careful, and it's regularly only about 90 mins that they're there, but I will make sure she knows.

nannynick Her year with us falls while I'm on maternity leave, so just when we can least afford a raise, unfortunately. But yes, there's nothing to stop us giving her something more when I got back to work a couple of months later- but it would be more like a cost-of-living raise, rather than 50% more, which we definitely couldn't afford. Would that be normal, do you think? I just don't want her to expect something we can't afford, and for us ALL to get a nasty surprise.

go back to work

Pay rises over recent years can be in 0-3% sort of range. Your nanny has not been with you long, so I would doubt that they are expecting anything. Talk to them, consider the practical things such as how they will transport all the children, adjustment to activities budget. It's not all about the salary, it can be more about the working conditions, the relationship between everyone. Ultimately you want nanny to stay and nanny wants to have a job.

Great advice, seems v sensible. Thank you.

As a nanny, while a pay raise or review or whatever is appreciated it isn't expected. I've yet to have one, current job has gone from one child to four with no payraise!

However more appreciated is my boss letting me know she understands that the job is harder, that I have less time to do all the nursery duties with more children, and that my workload itself has increased with each child. Simply letting her know that you understand that her workload is greater, not showing annoyance if you find for example not all the ironing is done or the house isn't quite as tidy when you get home would be good. We are only human!

I adapt, but when new babies arrive (or in my case new babies and older step children added to the family) it's difficult to keep to the same standards.

normally a pay rise keeps the nanny motivated when the work load increases. For example I started with a family who had one child at £10 net per hour. Worked through the mothers mat leave with number 2 and when I was i'm sole charge my pay increased to £11.50 net per hour. With baby number 3 she was very Prem - needed months in hospital, came.home on oxygen ect. When the.mother returned to work the father insisted my pay increase to £15 net an hour due the families extensive needs.
a pay rise is dependent on the increase in duties (according to my agency). I have yearly pay rises written into my contract as the parents also get yearly pay rises.

Yes, I see that understanding the increased workload and lowering expectations accordingly is key. I was also thinking that when the nanny is in sole charge again would be the time to offer more money. It's important to me that she feels appreciated, and I'm grateful you have all chipped in with reasonable ways to do that. Thanks.

I think you sound lovely and I'm sure your nanny knows how much you appreciate her. I'm sure she also appreciates being allowed to do the school pick up for her own children. A small pay rise would go down well if and when you can afford it but I doubt she'll expect it when you're on maternity leave.