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 know embarassing hey Jools - When people here my surname they often mistake ME as the foreigner and think DH is British.............guess you can see why I'm not fussy how good a nanny's English would be

Not guilty! I haven't even read their thread. Let alone posted on it.

And who are you calling old????

Oh please. You know me better than that. I can rile so much better than Guest1 did (whoever you are???).

But I didn't.... I swear I'm not guilty.

By the way, does anyone else under wonder just a tad bit about the stability of someone who would name themselves "squishybutt"??

"squishybutt" doesn't really worry me............but then DH call each other "Squishy" and "Squashy"

I wonder if squishybutt has ever worked for tight ass?

oops.... can I say that on mumsnet? Maybe I'll go and delete that message so I can pretend like I never said such a thing. Oh, that's right, we can't do that on this site.

Uwila!!! Are you sure it wasn't you that was guest1!!!!

Lou, are you an english mod? I find those european mods so much better value for money. They can chastise us and remind us of the MN philosphy in a different language.

I'm sure. Between this one and the Due in June thread I assure you I'm not able to squeeze in the nanny site too.

Besides, I'm hardly bashful. If it was me, I'd tell you. And, if it was me, it wouild have said a lot more than it did.

Well will whoever it is please stand up - I've been trying to work it out and CAN'T

Have to say, I'm PMSL at this thread and the one on the nanny site. When does the hurling soild nappies start??

soupy - that started about 3 days ago!...........along with the dirty dishes left over from the weekend

They left dirty dishes out?! Shame on them!

I have Pamina Been catching up in between meetings and work Sooooo glad Ive got a nanny/housekeeper/gardner who does the lot for a few Stellas at the weekend (and all without a dishwasher too). I picked him up cheap in a pub in twickenham a few years ago

PS. Congrats Lockets on the new arrival. Glad to hear you are both well and happy

lol Have we had this convo before Pamina on another thread? Theyre great arent they tho? Hope they dont see thsi tho or they might put up their prices.

I think you guys are paying too much. I mean have you considered the costs of chilling the beer. And what about washing the glass? What if he breaks the glass? Is he insured?

Are you using eurobeer or a good home grown british brew.

That damned Stella is taking the Carling jobs you know!

Make mine a Zywiec please, laydeez.

And I'll agree with Cronanny. The Euronannies I've employed have all spoken really good English. And not a glottal stop in sight.

But Penny Lane did raise a point which made me very worried. I have a Polish driving licence and have rarely driven on the left. I am now doubting my children's safety on the odd occasion we come to the UK and I have to drive them anywhere - especially as our car is LHD.

But I think Belgian drivers are worse than British ones...especially the mad "priorite de droite" rule...

i have just spoken to my good friend ( an australian au-pair who worked for the same family at the same time i did, she did a few hours over evenings and weekends and cleaning/housekeeping during the week) She actually said she would never expect my wage as her job is no where near as in depth as mine. My job is purely children only related which is a hell of a lot more important then wether the bathroom has been cleaned.

In her own words 'there is no way i could do your job, you are so good with the children and never stop, don't you take lunch hours? you don't even stop to fart'

She was the fourth au-pair in 6 months all others left for some reason or other (run out of money pocket money doesn't even cover train to college, miss family have no friends that speak my language, don't enjoy cleaning, moved on to new family to explore more of england)