Au pair not being paid

[bevelino]

My dd is an au pair in Spain and her contract is due to end very shortly. The family have been good towards her and she has worked very hard with the children (one of whom has very challenging behaviour) and has been no trouble herself at all.

Today dd has let me know that the family have not paid her for 3 weeks and she is now scared to ask for it. The family pay her €70 per week and I have said to her that she must ask for the money.

Does anyone have any experience of this they can share or advise dd what she should say?

Can I have the money I am owed please?

When are you going to pay me?

Dd is feeling really awkward about asking for the money but I have advised her to ask. I am very disappointed with the parents placing dd in this embarrassing situation.

I will check with dd tomorrow to check whether she has actually asked.

Tell her to say "I have some bills I need to pay back home, so please could you pay me for the last three weeks? I think you might have forgot."

If you're dd feels awkward asking in person then how about sending a text message?

Just to update dd finally plucked up courage and asked for her pay. The mum said that she had forgotten.