Retainer fee!!

[Samcj02]

Hi, I work in a nursery and some parents are paying retainer fees..Whilst they’ve been closed, but still taking keyworkers children some have refused, and have kept their child’s place..My son attends the nursery’s on the days/hours I work,(Part time) I was told By a manager as someone who works there and I’m lucky enough to be furloughed and get 80% pay that I should still pay the Retainer fees.. my partners self employed and the business has took a financial bashing, I’ve emailed explaining I can’t really afford this.. but she’s not replied and keeps sending me bills every month..? It’s mounting up and it’s stressing me out!

Well why should everyone else pay a retainer fee and not you?

They’re not it was optional to everyone else..

If you can't afford it you need to say in writing that you can't and that as other parents who don't work there are being allowed to pay retainer fees only if they want/can afford to do so you won't be paying. Your employer shouldn't be putting you in this position.

My daughters nursery have referred to it as a contribution. I don't think they can use the threat of losing the place to get you to pay. I'm paying 50% as we are fortunate oir income has stayed the same but if it hadn't I wouldn't be.

And they have told anyone has is struggling to pay because they have been financially affected to speak to them about it and I presume they will waiver the cost.

Thanks I’ve emailed again, I was given the choice to either pay retainer or give 4 weeks notice and pay full fees for those four weeks, but I need his space..!!.

@redastherose thank you, yes at first she said the fees were compulsory for all parents but there was a bit of an uproar so she changed it to if you can afford to apart from staff they have to pay and I’ve Just realised I’m being charged 50% while parents are 30%? I agree they are being unfair..

Sorry, I'd misread and thought it was a compulsory payment, which other nurseries have tried to impose.

I imagine they think that as they know you have 80% income, you should pay as some people don't have that. It doesn't make it right though! They don't know about your personal circumstances.

Is there another manager you can speak to? I would personally call their bluff and write a really emotive email. E.g. "I simply can't afford it because XYZ. DC really enjoys his time at nursery but I am being left with no choice to withdraw him."

I'd also ask why you're being charged 50% and others 30%!

@redastherose no problem I’m actually being charged 60% reason being It’s in line with furlough 80% and I already get 20% discount working there, as she’s just informed me, she’s said I can get another job Outside of my furlough or send him in..

@FTMF30 sorry the above message was supposed to tag you!

That's outrageous. They don't seem like the type of place I'd like to continue working or sending my child but I completely understand it's not so easy to just get another job, especially right now.

Be careful they don't make you redundant at the end of this. The government furlough scheme is changing. Employers will need to cough up more of their own funds to pay staff, which is sadly going to result in a lot of redundancies.

Thankyou I’m looking for alternative work I’m worried sick x