A bit of advice please

[nannynorthwestlondon]

Hello everyone,

First time I actually post on the forum even though I visit it quite often.
I would really appreciate a bit of advice from people who are more experienced than me in this matter.
What happens when your employers take more holidays or short breaks over the normal paid holidays?Would you discuss it with them and expect to be paid or to be offered some extra hours instead to help you make up for the unpaid time off?
I think I should also mention,I am a nanny and have been with the same family for over a year now.
Thank you very in advance for your replies.

I wouldn't expect to discuss it, I would expect to be paid it without question! Does it say anything in the contract about this? If not, they can't just decide that they don't need you to work so they aren't going to pay you.

You are paid for those occasions, as your contract with the family is usually one which states that you are paid x amount for y number of hours a week - if the parents decide not to require that many hours one particular week, they still have to pay.

Thanks a lot for your replies,I have actually raised the issue with them and they literally told me how can I expect to be paid if I'm not really working those hours.
I have tried explaining that I can't find something temporary so quickly to cover up for myself but I am now in the unpleasant situation where things became a bit sour over that.We are due to discuss it again when they will be back from their break next week.

no discussion - they take time off, they pay me

i expect to get paid and always have

i have in my contract

If we decide to take off any extra time above our 2 weeks holiday, our nanny will be paid in full and will have the time off.

i have 5 weeks in my contract but normally get 10+

I'd just add as an employer I pay my nanny in this situation. It's not due to her (wrong word but I can't think of the right one) that she's not working, it's entirely my decision, therefore of course I pay, she is ready, willing and able to work, but I've chosen to give her time off. I'm not sure it's legal not to pay, I would consider it breach of contract.

If you want a parallel, I work for a large employer they have twice (in a very long time) given us a day off due to office refurbishments and we have been paid as it was not due to us we weren't working. It never crossed our mind we wouldn't be paid.

You should definitely be paid! Unless there is something in your contract about compulsory unpaid leave, they should pay you for every day you are available for work.

Maybe you can suggest to them that when they are away you still go to their house and do some cooking for the freezer/organise the children's toys/deep clean the playroom etc.

What does your contract say about working hours, pay, time off etc?

ACAS 08457 47 47 47 helpline (click for opening hours) can advise you on UK employment issues. If your contract is the usual type used with nannies, then I would expect ACAS to agree with what we are all saying... that you are still paid.

I am aware of the situation itself and Know that they should pay me by law,I just think I needed a confirmation,like a second opinion that I am doing the right thing.
I do feel sorry about the whole situation itself as we have a good working relationship and I wouldn't want to ruin that,I will try to negociate with them an alternative so they don't lose out but neither will I.
Thank you again.