Cleaners: Agency v independent???

[slipperandpjsmum]

Our cleaner has become unwell and is unable to continue to work. It would be alot quicker to go through an agency but I have got used to having the same person, developing a relationship with her etc. What do you think? What are your experiences? For those of you that have cleaners how many hours do they do and what do you pay?

Agency has the advantages of always having someone available, not having to worry about tax/employment law/ exploitation etc.

I had an independent cleaner for 3 years who was absolutely wonderful and left to be a housekeeper. She was marvellous. We are reasonably clean but very messy and she was very good at putting things away sensibly and making the flat feel lovely.

We have an agency clean at the moment. They cost about twice as much per hour as the independent lady (noone really advertising at the moment). The main problem I have with them is that they have a list of stuff the agency requires them to do every week e.g. clean the skirting boards. This means that they shove any stuff lying around into a box/bin/bag and hide it away so they can clean. I then spend the rest of the week trying to sort out the mess and get it put in proper homes just in time for the process to start again.

I'd much rather find a good independent cleaner