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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

Nanny chipped kitchen surface

73 replies

Newmummy2010 · 25/02/2019 22:46

Our Nanny caused a large chip to a new kitchen counter. Unfortunately home insurance does not cover (and we don’t have Nanny insurance). Are we within our rights to deduct this from salary? She does not think she should contribute. Repair company have quoted over £200 and mark will still be visible...

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Medicaltextbook · 26/02/2019 00:14

You cannot just cut wages. It is unlawful unless in the employment contract. If your employee took action that was misconduct then you can look at procedure for that, with a proper process. Even then docking pay is not part of disciplinary process. You should follow Acas as a guide and get insurance.

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1774

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/pay/problems-getting-paid/

MariaNovella · 26/02/2019 00:17

While I agree with PP that you cannot expect your nanny to pay for accidental damage (you need insurance for this), I have had experience of careless nannies/cleaners and it is very irritating when someone working in your home is like this. Is your nanny careless in other ways with your possessions? If so, she might not be a good fit for you.

WinkysTeatowel · 26/02/2019 00:22

Have you tried Magian? They pride themselves on repairing without trace

You can't charge the Nanny though.

WinkysTeatowel · 26/02/2019 00:23

FFS Magic Man

nos123 · 26/02/2019 00:25

If you can afford a nanny then you can afford to replace your kitchen counter. I’m sure £200 makes much more of a difference to her than you.

jannier · 26/02/2019 08:11

Wonder what you would do if your child bumped their head or scraped a knee??????

BusterGonad · 26/02/2019 08:25

I can't believe you'd even consider taking it out of her salary! Crikey. You sound delightful Op!

Mumphineasandferbmadea · 26/02/2019 14:17

I have a feeling op isn't coming back.

roses2 · 26/02/2019 14:29

If a cleaner damaged a £200+ item, wouldn't most of you expect him/her to replace the item? I don't see how this is different.

Bigonesmallone3 · 26/02/2019 14:55

I cleaner is in your house to clean and care for it, I would imagine the nanny was making dinner/tidying up/doing something for the children and an accident occurred..

If it were me and my employer treated me like that I'd be looking for another job so it all depends on how much they value her!

Ollypops14 · 26/02/2019 14:57

GET A GRIP

GahWhatever · 26/02/2019 15:00

Depends entirely on circumstances.
Was Nanny dancing on the worktop in stilettoes, off her face on vodka from your drinks cabinet?
Was Nanny moving highchair and misjudged the available space?
Scenario 1: take from wages and let them leave.
Scenario 2: accept unfortunate wear and tear.

PCohle · 26/02/2019 15:05

As others have said there are strict laws surrounding the circumstances in which an employer can legally deduct wages.

The first question you should be considering isn't "is it fair to deduct this from her salary" but "as an employer, do I have the right to deduct this sum".

For what it's worth I think you would be very unreasonable to make the nanny pay for accidental damage. You should have proper insurance.

IggyPoppers · 26/02/2019 15:08

It was accident. No workplace would expect an employee to pay for a broken item unless it was done maliciously.

Amimissingsomethinghere · 26/02/2019 15:16

Poor nanny.

SheldonSaysSo · 26/02/2019 15:43

I think it comes with the territory of employing a nanny, under general wear on the house. It is one of the downsides to employing a nanny compared to other forms of childcare, however you can't just deduct it from her salary. I would be mortified if something like this happened to me and offer to pay towards a repair, but it shouldn't be expected.

Iggly · 26/02/2019 15:45

That’s ridiculous. Although I did split the cost of a new expensive pushchair with our nanny as she managed to lose it by driving off without it 🙈 she did actually offer to buy a new one herself first so I went halves.

Other times when she’d broken things around the house I didn’t expect her to pay.

Trumponerous · 26/02/2019 15:49

I think making the nanny pay is totally unreasonable unless it was deliberate, in which case firing her is the answer. And to the poster asking about if a cleaner did it, no I don't charge my cleaner for breakages.

CarrieBlu · 26/02/2019 18:09

I’m appalled that you’re even asking that.

BreakfastAtSquiffanys · 26/02/2019 23:12

Still waiting to hear how Nanny viciously attacked worktop

jannier · 27/02/2019 11:47

roses2 Tue 26-Feb-19 14:29:04

"If a cleaner damaged a £200+ item, wouldn't most of you expect him/her to replace the item? I don't see how this is different"

No Unless she threw it deliberately accidents happen I would expect the item to be insured. If its something like a hoover its fair ware and tare nothing lasts for ever. Do you expect your family to pay for breakages? Sometimes I think people who employ staff for jobs they cant or wont do themselves have a warped idea, most cleaners and nanny's haven't got £200 spare and are living on a very low income no way would I expect them to miss paying rent or having food to replace something broken by accident.

BusterGonad · 27/02/2019 12:02

@Newmummy2010 are you coming back?

eurochick · 27/02/2019 12:26

No of course you can't expect her to pay for it!

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