Have gardener in or not

[TheReelSlimShady]

Genuine question as it's a bit conflicting and overthinking this.

I normally have a gardener come this time of year to do a tidy up of the garden but not sure whether I should or not.

Advice seems to be that being outside at distance is okay - he doesn't need to come into the house, I pay him online so don't need to handle cash, I can request even he brings his own tea in a flask if worried about handing a cuppa over!

Equally in a time when so many self-employed are rightfully worried about financies it would be good to support.

What would you do? Are any of you still having your gardeners in and if so what measures are you taking?

Yes, get them in. They need paying. You don’t need to go near them.

I'd ask him what he wants to do.

We are still having ours. We don't come into contact with him at all. We pay via bank transfer and won't even be out of the house when he's in. And we will probably be using the garden more than usual over the coming weeks and months!

They’ll be outside so it shouldn’t be an issue.

That seems safe but what if he needs to use the toilet?

Well we usually weren't in when he came anyway previously so he'd just have to do whatever he did then. I imagine most people are generally out at work usually when their gardener comes.

Yes let him come. The self-employed have been given no safety net by this government.

Speak to him on the phone beforehand and explain that as both of you have to practice social distancing ask him what he wants to do and you will pay him online.

If you normally give him a cup of tea or any type of refreshment please don't.

Sorry meant "by online banking".

My brother does gardening for a lot of elderly people. He has spoken with them all on the phone and they want him to continue. They are placing his pay in an envelope on the step.

Do it,
We’re keeping our window cleaner on. Also now looking to hire a gardener (as long as they pay online and bring their own flask.

Of course, why would you not?
Your garden might be the only chance of being outside this summer, get it looking nice!

Yes my garden will still be coming for as long as he wants to. We don't need to have any contact at all if needed and I could stay out of the garden for a few days. Fortunately Gardeners can keep working.

Gardener