Nannies: market rates (bit controversial)

[Tanzie]

Having read on another thread ("Paying Nannies when sick") gripes from UK nannies about jobs going to girls from accession countries who will work for less, (and do more in the way of housework), is this not just pushing the market rate down for qualified/experienced nannies?

I am not in UK, but I would look at it as providing more affordable childcare, provided you can find someone trustworthy and reliable. I lived in UK briefly about 4 years ago and a nanny friend of mine was earning GBP 25,000 and got a flat thrown in with it. This is more than I was earning at the time and could never have afforded this sort of money for someone to look after my children.

I am not suggesting slave labour from Central European girls, or paying them an au pair's "pocket money" for what is essentially a nanny job, but paying them a reasonable wage and providing free accommodation means that a lot of people, who could not afford a nanny or nursery fees, will probably be able to get back to work.

Of course, there will always be those who want a Norland nanny and can afford one, but it seems to me that your average Mum would welcome these Central Europeans with open arms...

I'll run and hide now...

I do do those tasks, I actually do the family washing and ironing when he is at school, but when he is at home I think a balance should be found.
My point was I don't mind helping with small things as my employers treat with respect, one way of showing your nanny respect is paying them a decent wage so they can pay their rent and live.

Ameriscot, that is one biiiig spoon you have there.........

No chips on my shoulder, SN!

Don't understand the analogy, Colditz

hahaha if you think thats extreme then you don't know my employers they actually are quite fussy about their ironing and do ACTUALLY expect me to iron the jeans both inside and out. Whatever floats ya boat and I don't care while he is at school, as you said I would not be doing anything else. But I have refused to do this with other nanny positions where the children are younger as it isn't fair.

Penny, surely a Euronanny can perfectly execute a before/after school care role, coupled with a bit of children's laundry and housework. I'm still not sure of the added value of an English nanny. No one has really explained it on this long thread despite numerous requests.

Then you haven't read it properly!

I'm only a SAHM - I need things explained

So why pick on me?

I am guessing from your name that you are American?

Too funny, SN

I mean a big spoon for stirring a big pot.... I don't think you have that saying in America though, sorry.

In England when you are said to be stirring the pot, you are playing Devils Advocat for the fun of it. HTH

What is SAHM sad ass home maker???

Cro nanny, it means Stay At Home Mum

Yeah, that's me Colditz ; and right on there too, Cro

sorry, as English is not my first language, I don't know all the shorts you use,
however my explanation seemed more appropriate (joking)

Why, whats so funny about asking a question?

Who's laughing?

U are on fire scotsnanny... did u see my NJ post?

I'm off to bed, as a responsible nanny I need to get good sleep before I start work
SAHM you can keep chatting as you don't need to be up at 6am

Blimmin' sun will get us up none-the-less, Cro

Yes I did see the reply (no winks on here!)

And I am still waiting for an answer to my question AMERISCOT

What question was that, SN?