A key part of hiring a nanny is agreeing on the responsibilities, working hours and pay rates. Other important issues to factor in your employment negotiations include information on paid time off and procedures for handling sick days. Once these details have been agreed make sure that you have them down in writing within a nanny contract.
When it comes to paid time off here’s what your nanny is entitled to and procedures you should discuss:
Holidays
Everyone needs some time off to recharge. And nannies definitely need some rest and relaxation after caring for your children.
As a full-time employee your nanny is entitled to a minimum of 28 paid days off per year while part-time nannies are entitled to a pro rata equivalent. Nannies will start accruing these holidays as soon as they start working and they are entitled to their normal rate of pay while on paid leave.
Set rules for using these holidays. For example, how much notice does your nanny need to give you before their requested days off? How will she let you know: in-person, text or email? Can she split the days up or does she have to use it a week at a time?
Many families try to coordinate their nanny’s holidays around family holidays, so they’re not left scrambling to find backup childcare. Maybe your nanny takes time off during the summer, while your family is away, and then has the reminder to use whenever they want.
Public Holidays
Public holidays are a busy time for families and carers. It’s natural that carers will request paid time off to enjoy these days each year with their friends and families.
Your nanny is entitled to 8 bank holidays to be given as paid days off as part of their statutory holiday entitlement mentioned above. These don’t necessarily need to be given on the actual bank holidays themselves so you can work together to negotiate and compromise on days off that work for everyone. They may ask for extra hourly pay on holidays you ask them to work, or perhaps they will be happy to work some of those days.
Sick Day Procedures
When a nanny is around kids all day, it’s inevitable that she’ll get sick. Nannies are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are sick for more than three consecutive days. You may reclaim some of the costs from the State, for more information visit the Government’s SSP guide for employers.
When it comes to notifying you about sick days, you need to agree on how much notice your nanny has to give – should they let you know at least 2 hours before their shift starts? If you don’t set a limit then the statutory default is 7 days. You don’t have to pay SSP if they don’t meet these time limits.
After 7 days off sick you can ask the employee for a doctor’s note. This used to be called a sick note.