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Original poster

Cleaner and covid

18 replies

ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 05:55

We have covid in the house… again. The last two times, plus when we had to isolate for potential exposure (back in the day), I paid the cleaner even though she couldn’t come. Is it unreasonable to offer her the option of coming (child can stay in her bedroom) and if she chooses not to come, not pay her? I feel like we’ve moved into a new phase now and so many people aren’t even testing or bothering to isolate. Or is that just really unfair?

OP posts:
JuneOsborne · 13/07/2022 06:13

Self employed people, like cleaners are having the toughest time of things. If they get covid, they get no sick pay. If someone else gates covid and they don't want to work in their house because if they catch, they don't get sick pay.

I'd pay her. Whether she comes or not.

How easy is it to find a decent cleaner where you are?

Are you still being paid even though you're off looking after your Dd?

mirrorballer · 13/07/2022 06:26

It's unfair to make her choose between losing her income or potentially catching Covid. Just pay her!

Original poster
ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 06:27

I’m self-employed myself… and no, I’m not getting paid for lost work time.

OP posts:
FflosFfantastig · 13/07/2022 07:25

I'd pay her, especially if she's a good cleaner that you want to retain. It'd be a kind thing to do. I think it's not right to say either come and risk catching Covid or don't get paid!

Sally872 · 13/07/2022 07:31

Really unfair. She can't come and I would pay. If cleaner catches covid i would also expect her not to come and not charge.

I wouldn't want anyone in my home when someone has covid for their own sake.

Sally872 · 13/07/2022 07:31

ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 06:27

I’m self-employed myself… and no, I’m not getting paid for lost work time.

But would you get paid if your csmustomer has covid?

resuwen · 13/07/2022 07:32

I paid my cleaner during lockdown, and I've paid him when he's been unable to come because we've had Covid. He's self employed, whereas we get a salary and sick pay! I don't think I it's very ethical to insist your cleaner cleans an infectious house or loses her wage.

CheshireCats · 13/07/2022 07:36

So she has to risk catching it to get paid? And then if she gets it, she might loose a whole week's income because she is isolating/ill/ cares enough to not infect all her clients?
YABU

Original poster
ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 07:48

Yes, I take all these points. What I can’t get my head round is that most people aren’t testing, are they? They’re not buying tests, and they’re sending their kids to school with coughs and sniffles, or going to work and the shops … just going about their business. Covid is everywhere.

OP posts:
Sleepyquest · 13/07/2022 08:01

I didn't pay mine OP, I understand everyone's points but DH is self employed and that's just the way it is. No sick pay, no paternity pay

Original poster
ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 11:10

Well, I told my cleaner and she was amazed I’d kept my daughter off school as she’s well in herself. She was certainly fine about cleaning our house. In her words, ‘we have to live with this now.’ She’s right really, isn’t she?
If you’re vulnerable, do what you can to protect yourself. But we need to live normally as far as we can as this thing is going to keep invading our homes and lives.

OP posts:
honeybooboo33 · 13/07/2022 11:14

@ViennaDreams I agree with you (and her). You have told her and she's made an informed choice. This is why I we have vaccines, so life can attempt to go back to normal. The disruption to peoples lives and income can't go on indefinitely.

ihavenocats · 13/07/2022 12:29

When is this type of scenario going to be done with? Is this just going to go on forever now?

Tootsey11 · 13/07/2022 15:53

As a cleaner I would not be in your house if any of you have covid. Why would I risk catching it then taking it to other clients houses and my own. Totally irresponsible. Presently if any of my clients are positive they tell me not to come till they are clear.

JemimaPuddleducksWaddle · 13/07/2022 15:58

So you are giving them the choice of a highchance of getting ill or not get paid.

How lovely

Original poster
ViennaDreams · 13/07/2022 17:28

Tootsey11 · 13/07/2022 15:53

As a cleaner I would not be in your house if any of you have covid. Why would I risk catching it then taking it to other clients houses and my own. Totally irresponsible. Presently if any of my clients are positive they tell me not to come till they are clear.

But how do you know your clients are testing themselves? Tests aren't free ... do you really believe every little sniffle is being investigated? The NHS advice for kids for eg is to go to school if they feel well enough to do so. It doesn't suggest you should be testing them if they have cold symptoms... which is how covid presents half the time!

OP posts:
Sally872 · 15/07/2022 10:51

If people have no symptoms then unlikely to spread it. If anyone in house is unwelp with cough, temp or bad cold then i wouldn't go into their house.

I would meet someone from that household outside their home for a walk or a coffee elsewhere (Being extra observant before i then meet my vulnerable parent) to me that is living with it. Not entering a household when someone is unwell with suspected covid.

Sally872 · 15/07/2022 10:52

I mean meet someone well from the same household as covid person, not the actual sick person.

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