CM Club: Oopps..I've cocked up

[Katymac]

I employed someone - she started today

She smokes (not at my house) and she stinks

Already 3 parents have commented

I posted in Employment Issues asking if I could sack her & the consensus is no

Which means I am stuffed as who wants to collect their child from the C/Mers smelling of smoke

your gunna have to speak to her
re iterate the nature of the business, that although she doesnt smoke near children, they/their parents have ade comments and you dont want to lose business(as her position is justified by them being there!)

she will have to find a solution to her problem..ie: cut down, wash hands thoroughly or dunk herself in fabreze after every tab!..be honest with her, and tell her the smell is strong...phew..good luck mate

does she work in your home KatyMac?

yep

& DH & DD are very asthmatic

Did she lie and say she `was non smoker

well you now have three evry valid reasons to speak to her..can you quickly type up something in your T&C about smoking/tobacco smell/alergies etc??..awkward one mate!..but i know what you mean..hate stale/dirty smoke smell!

didnt she smell at interview?

maybe she was nervous on first day and smoked benson and hedges out of business before 8am??

No - she didn't lie: but she didn't smell at interview

Yuk

just say im very sorry but you stink please leave my etablishment immediatly and never darken my door again..that should do it!

But apparenlty I can't sack her

ooooooooops it would be better if she had lied cos then you could sack

Do you advertise as a non smoking business

If so perhaps you could then use that

do any of the others smoke at all

No and we all hate it

I feel such a prat for not asking

Any health and sasfety rules about smokers and cot death?

ir breathing out toxins after smoking

What about making her keep a change opf clothes at yours and change when she arrives and no smoking until she leaves in her already smelly clothes

hmmmm

uniform!
one of those hairdressing/beauty/nurse type cotton button up shirt typey thing with walnut corner logo embroiderd onto them?

this type of thing?

Maybe - I'd have to wear it

youd have to wash and iron hers too otherwise theyd stink like her clothes?!

your going to have to be straightforward and mention you have heard/have your own concerns because of smell/allergies(can you tell i cant spell asthema!!)

More washing and ironing for DH - he will be pleased

I am going to have to talk to her aren't I?

ypu, you are honey!..dont you have a 'probationary period' ..like a assessment of contract after so long?..like 24 hours

Has she started on a probationary period? During probation perhaps another reason will come up which is grounds for her not being suited to the position.

Meanwhile, will look into law regarding dismissal due to smelling of smoke. As you are childminder and not a nursery, then some laws may not apply due to you operating from domestic premises - will need to look it up!

For now, mention that she smells and that you need her to improve her general hygine - i.e. coming to work in clothes that have been washed throughly.

afraid so
poor you at least we learn by our mistakes
watch her like a hawk first cock up and shes out
i used to be a manager and thats one thing i dont miss staff

Well she is on 2 weeks trial - I'm not that stupid

I guess the 2 weeks might end sooner rather than later

see we knew u wernt supid