Employing a cleaner

[cairnterrier]

Bit of help if possible. I'm looking into getting a cleaner - in the past when ever we've had one, we've always got them through an agency. If I pay someone directly, am I then an employer or are they self-employed and hence liable for their own NI/tax/pensions etc.

Also, if the cleaner hurt themselves whilst in our house, could they then sue us for damages, would we liable as employers?

Thanks

As I understand it you are not responsible for their NI etc. They are not an employee, but are there on a self-employed basis, and as such are responsible for their own tax returns.

I believe you would certainly be held accountable for the safety of anyone either working in your house, or even visiting it. You can be sued if someone falls over a wonky flagstone on your path and injures themselves.

Our GSCE law teacher told us that you could be sued if a fireman injured himself putting a fire out in your house if your negligence had caused the fire. Its because most people have house insurance which includes personal liability. Remember that when you leave your chip pan unattended!

Cleaners are self-employed as they have a number of clients.

Check your house insurance as it should include 3rd party liability insurance to cover anyone you are paying to work at your house.

A cleaner can be an employee or self employed - go to www.hmrc.gov.uk and do a search on "employing people in your home". It depends on a number of factors which are explained on hmrc site here

Thanks everyone, feeling a bit better about it all now!