Should I sack my cleaner

[mooneus]

About a year ago I employed a cleaner to come to my flat every 2 weeks. Initially she was great and the place was much cleaner than I got it.

However recently her standards have slipped and she is constantly missing her agreed time to come clean. At the beginning we agreed she could come when she wanted just as long as she told me when to expect her.

Recently she has taken on another job which involves night shifts. So she is too tired to come during the week and usually comes on Sundays. She was due last week and didn't show. This week I received a message from her to say she arrived but couldn't get in. She has a key but my keys were in the other side of the door so she couldn't get in. I was in the backroom watching TV so didn't hear it. But if she knocked on or rang the bell i would have heard it - but she didn't. So i have to wait another week for my flat to be cleaned - 4 weeks since she last came.

I am a bit annoyed by this and want to bring it up but don't know how to address it. Her sister passed away a few months ago so I don't want to be too hard on her

She sounds really flakey. I would say it’s time for a new cleaner.

Cleaner here - def not acceptable whatever her personal circumstances. I have been locked out with keys still in the door, but have rang, text and what's apped from outside!! And charged him!!

Yep, I'd let her go and get yourself someone who is going to actually turn up and do what you pay them for.

And when you get the next one agree a regular day and time!!

You aren't technically 'employing' her OP - ie you're paying her an hourly rate every two weeks. You don't have to pay sickness/ holiday pay.

She doesn't sound like she has much initiative, I wouldn't be impressed with her not bothering to communicate about the key, and just walking away from the job. My cleaner would call the house phone or knock on the door if there was a problem opening it.

You aren't obliged to give her any notice and it probably won't be a bombshell to her if you part company.

Yea new cleaner. You pay and need her. If it was a big corporate rather than an individual, what would you do.