Needing a part time carer, don't know how to employ someone

[twoisplenty]

Hi. My dh and I are about to employ a carer for our ds who is disabled. She would work in our home for about 5 hours per week, and take our ds out sometimes too locally.

We can find an accountant to do the payroll etc, but how do we employ her?

What I mean is, what is the best way of doing this so we are not liable if, for whatever reason, she decideds to sue us? For unfair dismissal, or some other reason?

I'm not sure that insurance for this sort of eemployee would cover us for such situations.

Really confused, and we need to sort this out really quickly.

Anyone got experience of this?

TIA

iirc most household policies can be extended to cover domestic-type employees. I would phone your existing insurer and ask. they certainly cover accidents (often it's already included in a standard policy) not so sure about unfair dismissal.

If you are using Direct Payments, social services may be able to give you some advice. They certainly like doing their own CRB check on anyone you employ.
Home contents insurance will provide you with some legal cover.
Tax/NI wise, payroll agencies like PAYEforNannies I expect would do it, as no difference tax wise Carer v Nanny.

www.snapchildcare.co.uk maybe a good nanny agency to contact they specialise in nannies/carers for children with disabilities.

Are you using direct payments? Your local centre for independent living (or similar) can do payroll for you for a small monthly fee. A lot of people who use direct payments to employ someone get employers liability insurance from Fish Insurance

You may find it useful to post on Special Needs as parents on that board may well be in a similar situation.

Thanks everyone - really really helpful. I was feeling so anxious about it yesterday, but feel much better this morning.

I showed my dh the "fish" insurance and it sounds just right.

Yes, I shall have a look at the sn board too.

I think it will be fairly easy to sort the payroll out, it was the liability issue that was really bothering me.

But I guess people employ nannies/carers etc all the time, so it can't be that bad!