Au Pair coming for 3 months - is she entitled to holiday?

[OneLieIn]

I have an au pair coming in a couple of weeks - she is staying til OCtober - is she entitled to paid holiday at all?

Is there a contract of service (such as an employment contract)? Are you paying more than just pocket money?

My suspicion is that an au-pair isn't classified as an employee, under employment law. I consider an au-pair to be a young person coming to live as part of your family to experience living in England and to learn some English. In exchange for their own bedroom, full board and lodging they receive pocket money (£60 per week, perhaps a little more) and they help you with light housework and childcare.

If you want to confirm if an au-pair is an employee, probably wise to check with ACAS to see what they think.

So I doubt that they would be entitled to any holiday, but if you wanted you could give them a week off at some point.

OK, thanks Nannynick.

She is a young person coming to live with us as you said. I will give her a week off anyway when we go away.

Thanks again

My understanding is that an au pair is "entitled" (according to some agencies) to one week's paid holiday for every 6 months she works.
That's not to say that she's only allowed 2 weeks in a year but it isn't usual to pay her for any more.

AP's aren't entitled to any holiday legally,... 2 weeks in 1 year is recommended but not obligatory. I wouldn't be paying any holiday pay for a 3 month summer AP.

I agree, I week's paid holiday for 6 months worked. However, if you're going away and don't want to take her with you, then it's only fair to pay her for that week.