Couple working from home - part time nanny?

[workaholicGal]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 10 month old daughter, I returned to work few months ago but I have had help until now as my husband had couple of months before starting his new job. He is due to start in a week or two but will be working from home until virus situation improves. Same for me.

My in-laws were supposed to come and help with the baby for 4-5 months but travel to UK on tourist/visitor visa isn't allowed these days because of the virus situation.

That's the background. We will both be working from home and we have some flexibility in terms of timings - can start early and also work later in the evening to squeeze out a few hours for DD during the day. I can feed her, cook for her but still need someone to give her company for about 4 hours during the day.

We are inclined to try a nanny or nannyshare, but it sounds quite expensive. Do we need to pay for NI, pension and sick days even if the arrangement is only for 4hr/day 5 days a week? I have seen a couple of quotes of around £10/12 gross per hour - do I need to add anything to this?

Slightly stressed out at the moment, so any help or pointers greatly appreciated.

Yes, when you employ a nanny, you become the employer and need to pay NI, holiday pay etc.

When DS was a baby, we also wanted to employ a part time nanny but it proved very difficult. Even the ones tht didn’t want to work the standard 50h, still tended to be after 30 across 3 days for example.

In the end, I found a nursery that I liked. DS has been doing 8am-1pm every day. I think it works for me that he’s out of the house and it’s fun for him to have a change of scenery, different toys etc. It’s also considerably cheaper.

Yes you would also be responsible for paying pension, sick pay and maternity pay. There is a calculator here: www.nannytax.co.uk/what-we-do/free-tools-services/salary-calculator

Part time nannies can be hard to find as the PP says. They can also be more apt to leave if another job ends and they can’t find matching hours, or if they get offered a full time role.

Nursery would be a cheaper option if possible and may be more reliable (as others to cover if sick etc).

Thanks for your time and helpful replies.

Nursery is definitely cheaper but I am concerned about the risk of exposure to virus. May be I need to revisit this idea.

Also, is there a tax/legal definition of nanny? I ask because if I don't expect nanny to cook/clean at all then is it not more appropriate to use the term babysitter? I really just expect someone to give DD some company while we are both working in the adjacent room. I am thinking along the lines that this will take out NI/sick pay etc from the expenses and make it cheaper. Any thoughts?

Babysitting generally means a teenager in the evening for cash in hand though OP. You might be able to find someone willing to work on that basis through the day, but would you want to leave your child with them?

How about a childminder?

If you employ someone, you can't take NI out of the equation. The most you can do is only pay them minimum wage, but you still have to add on the other employer 'bits'. Unless you find someone to do it on the side, but I really wouldn't.

If it’s a regular arrangement set by you you are their employer. It doesn’t matter what the job title is. So it is expensive. A child minder might be a middle way, fewer other children and staff than a nursery but definitely self employed.

What's the Covid-related situation with au pairs at the moment? They wouldn't normally have sole charge of such a young child, but it's different if you are always on hand if needed. Might work if you have a spare room?

What you’re describing is a nanny. Legally, you’re the employer and she’s the employee. Can’t be self employed. Nannies don’t routinely cook or clean but would be expected to cook or iron for your daughter.

Babysitters offer ad hoc help when it suits them. However, what you describe is a regular arrangement on your terms so it’s a nanny role any way you look at it.

In terms of catching Covid, the risk is minimised by having only one person coming into the house. However, don’t imagine that your daughter would mix with a gazzilion people in the nursery. DS had up to 6 babies in his room and 2 nursery nurses. Each room has its own garden too so no mixing with other rooms.

OP is she gets rumbled by HMRC it’s YOU they’ll ask to pay the tax not her if they consider you to be an employer (which they almost certainly will) and you’d then also owe the nanny holiday pay, pension and any sick pay. Don’t chance it! Self employed nannies are rarer than hens teeth (and have to be confirmed as SE by HMRC).