Nanny during lockdown

[Bananasplease]

Ok so I fully expect to get flamed for this and I know that others have bigger problems!
DH and I are classed as key workers (justice) but are able to work from home most of the time. We have 2 children (4 and almost 1) and a part time nanny. Our eldest normally also goes to nursery but we stopped that over a week ago. Our nanny has still been coming to us and only taking the children out for short walks away from others over the last week. Now that a lockdown has been announced what do we do?? Do we cancel her but how on earth do we manage on the occasions when we will both have Court commitments (most likely by video or phone) at the same time. I want to do the right thing but I don't know how on earth we manage Court work with 2 kids in the house?

Don’t be so quick to call people think without reading the details.

I’ve read the details. I stand by my comment. Courts are being wound down anyway. They can live off one income in the meantime.

I have told my nanny to stay away and I will continue to pay her. I don’t know about this rebate thing...

In nanny tax they say that the government has decided on whether nanny employers would be eligible for the rebate yet. Said they would update as soon as they know.

I am very much struggling with the realisation that rich people believe that the rules don’t apply to them. Do they think that they are immune from viruses or don’t they care that they’ll pass it on, as long as they can enjoy their stroll around Richmond Park and nice double income? I am genuinely puzzled.

Continue to be puzzled whilst you work out who is paying to keep businesses afloat and to fund people getting 80% pay and paying for the NHS

Don’t be coming across as bitter @LancashirePeeler

Whilst I agree with you in principle believe it or not a nanny isn’t just for the dripping wealthy and London-based. Trust me.

You really don’t grasp that everybody is suffering financially, not just you and this issue is bigger than your pay packet.

Not bitter. Just fucking angry that we all have to act sensibly to get a hold on this. Nurses are working flat out already. I hope they don’t read this ridiculous’dilemma.’

Op, can I ask what area of law you work in? I work for a law firm and we are trying to work out which solicitors would be classed as key workers?

Quite on the bitter point. Do you even have a nanny or children requiring a nanny?

The nanny would only be able to class her work as essential if absolutely necessary. Looking after two small children when there are two adults in the home who are perfectly capable of looking after their own children is not ‘absolutely necessary.’ I can’t believe people aren’t grasping this!

I’m not bitter. I am angry that you will kill people with your bloody arrogance!

I’m going to ask our nanny to move in with us. She’s been on leave for past 1.5 weeks (due back next Monday). I’ve been trying to wfh and look after 2 young DC. It’s impossible to do properly. We need her back, so that’s the only option that’s workable if travel isn’t permitted

@LancashirePeeler I agree and I'm not going on...was just hoping I didn't have a battle on my hands about it with two seemingly intelligent people...but they're thinking about themselves.

OP and her husband is a key worker. So they need to continue with childcare (same as schools staying open for key workers).

So travel in this instance is essential surely? Only difference is it's a nanny not a school (and definitely less chance of spread with a nanny following the current rules).

They are lawyers and the courts are winding down anyway. They can always share the work of looking after their kids. It’s not absolutely necessary for a third adult to be in the house to look after two small dc.

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate that I'm in a fortunate position in some respects and I know it's an emotive subject. Without getting overly defensive though yes we are both key workers. If we weren't then I wouldn't consider keeping the nanny on. We are not based in London nor are we wealthy. We are self employed and so if we don't work we earn nothing. We have a nanny because of the hours we work (in normal circumstances we are not infrequently both out of the house by 6am and not back until after 7pm or even later and we have yet to find other childcare that could accommodate that). The Courts are not quite winding down although as of this evening it does seem that all of the Circuit leaders have agreed that there will be no in person hearings tomorrow. There are still expected to be hearings by video link/Skype/phone etc. We both have such hearings in our diaries over the coming weeks. We obviously won't both be able to do those hearings where they clash without the nanny. The guidance is unfortunately very unclear hence my request for advice. This is a situation that could go on for many weeks and I want to get it right. It isnt clear whether the Gov's pledge to pay 80% of salaries will apply to nannies. If we aren't both working at full capacity or if the Gov won't pay for nannies then we can't afford her and I want her to keep her job.

All jury trials are now suspended. Non new trials will be listed from now on. So, the courts are winding down. Any hearings will be relatively short. Just work it out between yourselves or put the kids in front of the telly. I know loads of people in a similar position to you, including criminal barristers and they are in no way whatsoever being as precious about the situation as you are.

And you are not key workers in the sense that you are in demand. There are loads of colleagues who could cover for you. To compare yourselves to health workers is laughable.

OP I was at court on Friday (I’m a journalist) and several barristers were Skyping in from home. It worked beautifully until one barrister’s daughter walked into the room behind him and said ‘fucksake where’s my straighteners?’ It was marvellous.

The judge was very relaxed about it and asked her, with a smile on his face, not to swear in his courtroom.

I think the courts will be dramatically winding down from tomorrow. The mags will be busier with first hearings I would expect but crown will be quiet, which will hopefully mean,your problem will be short lived.

Haha that’s absolutely brilliant JaniceBattersby

It's really simple. Either nanny stays with you or you have no nanny. The guidance is stay at home. Households do not mix. It's that stark.

I'm absolutely not comparing myself to healthcare workers or being precious but thanks for your input. Having someone constantly being rude towards me when I'm simply asking for help in dealing with a small but important decision in the midst of chaos is helping no end. Anyway goodnight.

You are a lawyer. You should be able to understand the rules. It’s really not very difficult.