if I was going to try to employ someone for a couple of hours a day...?

[Monkeybird]

... say 2 hours, for 3 days a week, as a sort of mother's help/au pair/baby sitter, what would I need to know in terms of employment, pay issues. Does anyone know?

Anyone got any ideas also about recruiting someone like this - should I ask for written apps, use an agency, put up an advert in a shop, do interviews...

Sorry for so many questions but am new to all this...

For such short hours you need someone who lives locally so I'd go with ad in local paper/shop or possibly ask around.

Not sure about the legal position if you need to be her employer and pay tax, etc.

I am a nanny who has done this with different families. I get most of my jobs from gumtree and familiesonline

What area are you in?

South Cheshire/North Staffs border