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Mother’s Help rate of pay?

59 replies

Puddleduck2013 · 25/03/2026 08:48

DD is just finishing her A levels and will be taking a gap year.
A local family she vaguely knows approached her to ask if she wanted some work with them, looking after 2 primary school aged children and some light cooking/cleaning.
It was sold to her at £20 ph with expectation she would also drive DC to school and take them to various activities.

She went for the ‘interview’ last week where the role was discussed for about 5 minutes before the woman talked about herself for 3 hours. At the very end she offered DD the job but on minimum wage (with potential to increase after 3 months)

I have alarm bells going off, they have gone through a succession of nannies and if DD is expected to have responsibility of driving children/being responsible for them outside the home her pay should reflect that?

is there anything else DD needs to consider before making a decision.

OP posts:
Lightuptheroom · 25/03/2026 13:25

@Northcoastmama how long ago? The rules around employing have changed massively (I did a similar thing to yourself at 18, but I'm now 54 and the rules have changed a lot) absolutely go for a similar sort of job if that's the sort of experience she wants, just with the right legalities in place

limetrees32 · 25/03/2026 13:27

No more info needed.
Daughter gives this one a swerve.

Puddleduck2013 · 25/03/2026 14:49

I will try and dissuade her but suspect she do it anyway

OP posts:
Lomonald · 25/03/2026 14:51

Puddleduck2013 · 25/03/2026 14:49

I will try and dissuade her but suspect she do it anyway

Least it will be an experience you can only advise them, it sounds an absolute disaster though and once she is there her duties probably will be ramped up.

Chatsbots · 25/03/2026 14:52

Just give her off-ramps.

So if she's in a dodgy situation, she knows she can bail...

Viviennemary · 25/03/2026 14:56

They sound a couple of chancers. Not worth the amount of respondibility. Thy're probably the type who will expect 24/7 care and all the housework done too.

Lomonald · 25/03/2026 14:57

Chatsbots · 25/03/2026 14:52

Just give her off-ramps.

So if she's in a dodgy situation, she knows she can bail...

Yes this, she doesn't have to stay it isn't a failing if she leaves she isn't leaving them in the lurch either.

Northcoastmama · 25/03/2026 15:08

Lightuptheroom · 25/03/2026 13:25

@Northcoastmama how long ago? The rules around employing have changed massively (I did a similar thing to yourself at 18, but I'm now 54 and the rules have changed a lot) absolutely go for a similar sort of job if that's the sort of experience she wants, just with the right legalities in place

This is a valid point, 18 years ago! We were all doing it and had a blast, still in touch with the kids (adults) now but yes I imagine rules have changed

redfishcat · 25/03/2026 15:41

Tax, pension, NI , holiday and holiday pay. Sick pay. Maternity leave ?????? Not necessarily on your daughter’s mind, but she is entitled to this and people do get pregnant at 18 years of age.

it would be a big no from me.

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