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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Unwaged au pair

105 replies

Gusthetheatrecat · 13/02/2015 13:09

I was doing some research about possible future childcare options and came across this:
www.gumtree.com/p/live-in-nanny-jobs/fantastic-part-time-live-in-nanny-mother-s-help-au-pair-job-in-sw-london-east-sheen-near-richmond-/1098932082
My jaw is on the floor at the sheer, brazen, cheek of it. Effectively they are asking for an au pair (or a nanny, arguably) but for precisely zero pay.
I am so outraged that I needed to share.
Also, seriously though, they are really looking to exploit someone and I feel like I should report them to someone but I don't know who?

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Tanith · 14/02/2015 09:49

It's not an au pair they're looking for. They specify CRB clearance, childcare qualifications and nanny duties for 2 very young children.

They're looking for a part time nanny. They're just not prepared to pay for one.

Mintyy · 14/02/2015 10:06

Nobody would be snippy with you though Gus. Just the incredibly arrogant people who placed that ad!

VixxFace · 14/02/2015 10:33

Could you claim benefits whilst living there do you think? !
Someone could potentially live there and get their seventy old quid a week..

VixxFace · 14/02/2015 10:34

I've reported the ad btw was just thinking out loud.

Cherriesandapples · 14/02/2015 10:41

This is disgusting! I feel that we are going back to the era of slavery!

Pooka · 14/02/2015 10:52

I don't know that you could honestly claim benefits while living there. If asked "have you done any work, paid or unpaid, in the last 2 weeks?" the honest answer would be yes. Which could lead into a series of questions about the legitimacy of the arrangement? I don't know - would be hard to say you're available for work with this arrangement, and could it be argued that by accepting the role for 20 soemthing hours a week, you're making yourself unavailable for paid work?

I dunno.

Shocked that anyone would think it is reasonable to put this ad up. I'd be embarrassed at my own brass neck.

BerylStreep · 14/02/2015 10:58

They want a part-time live in nanny.

Just don't want to pay for it.

I find the third person narrative of their life a bit toe curling.

The thing is, there will be people who are willing to take this up due to the situation they are in.

Mintyy · 14/02/2015 11:23

Beryl - and that's why the ad should be removed! To reduce the chances of someone being exploited.

Mintyy · 14/02/2015 11:24

Someone should tweet it, seriously. I'm so disgusted, it's making me frothy.

ArcheryAnnie · 14/02/2015 11:31

All of our nannies have loved sampling Mum’s yummy roast dinners and Dad’s legendary barbecues!

ArcheryAnnie · 14/02/2015 11:32

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Pooka · 14/02/2015 11:38

I am struggling to understand how someone can genuinely believe that this is a reasonable advert. Do they not self-edit/question themselves/see how other people pay for childcare?

Pooka · 14/02/2015 11:40

And I've realised how much I loathe adults using the word "yummy".

Jools Oliver does it.

Cherriesandapples · 14/02/2015 11:59

I think the "all our nannies" for children under 3.5 says it all. Poor childrenSad

Mixtape · 14/02/2015 12:09

Mum is a SAHM with children in nursery and a cleaner. I imagine the unfortunate person will have a time table dictated by when the mum decides she wants to catch up with her paperwork Hmm meaning it would be very difficult to secure other part time employment.

Jackieharris · 14/02/2015 12:09

Sounds like the mum is lonely.

Tanith · 14/02/2015 12:17

Then she needs to pop onto Mumsnet, Jackie ??

Camolips · 14/02/2015 12:26

Realistically you wouldn't have 4 or 5 days to do paid employment unless you never wanted any days off so I think this is very misleading.
But generally there is nothing wrong with offering board and lodging in return for duties unless childcare has specific employment rules. E.g. Wardens on campsites work in return for a free pitch for their caravan all summer.

Higgle · 14/02/2015 12:28

I've emailed her as well, not acceptable.

Cindy34 · 14/02/2015 12:31

They only get to sample the roast dinner, that may mean they don't get to eat much of it! Strange wording used.

Camolips · 14/02/2015 12:33

It also said 'basic food' was included. So apart from the roast dinners and bbqs it might be bread and water at all other times!

PerpetualStudent · 14/02/2015 12:34

Shocking! Those who have emailed her, let us know if she replies!

Mintyy · 14/02/2015 13:02

I've had a pm from a Mumsnetter who emailed her. Apparently around 50 people answered the ad and they have chosen someone Sad.

I wish I knew a journalist who could expose this.

Aren't any of you on Twitter?

Tanith · 14/02/2015 13:24

Sure they did Wink

Ad gone, 50 replies all checked and interviewed, someone offered the "chance in a lifetime"?!

NoArmaniNoPunani · 14/02/2015 13:44

I feel sorry for the desperate person who thinks this is a good opportunity