Employing a cleaner

[LaPresidente]

We have just started employing a cleaner, who is very good. Is it legal for us simply to pay her cash in hand? We only employ her for 3 hours a week. And what should we do about holiday pay and sick pay?

If your cleaner does this for a living and attends other homes then the onus is on them to be self employed and pay thier taxes. For you it is just an expence. Holiday and sick pay are not mandatory but some people like to pay a little extra for christmas that is entirely upto you. :)

OK, that's helpful. Many thanks.

Hi, I was about to post the same question!

I am about to employ a cleaner for the first time, and called HMRC helpline who said that if I'm paying the cleaner direct rather than through an agency then the onus is on me to tax it at source. Even for 3 hours a week!

But I didn't ask about and they didn't mention a scenario where the cleaner is self employed.

notmuch - without wanting to be cheeky, how sure are you (is this your field?)

Thanks, please don't be offended :)