Contract advice

Start Date

This should be clearly indicated, and should be a date after the signing of the contract.

Possible Probationary Period

If a trial period is envisaged, then this should not exceed one month, during which either party would require no notice.

Payment

Decide on weekly/monthly payment and how payments are to be made (e.g. cash, cheque, direct debit). Once the method of payment is decided, it is only reasonable to give plenty of notice if any change is required. Be careful to stipulate clearly both net and gross pay. It is important to indicate at the outset rates of pay for additional worked hours beyond the basic contract, and any special rate for baby-sitting if that differs from the overtime rate. Pay should be reviewed and a review date provided.

Job Description

A reasonably detailed description of the job is helpful to employer and Nanny and can avoid misunderstandings. Normal working hours should be clearly stated in the contract and job description.

Pension, and Arrangements in the Event of Employee Sickness

The employer will normally pay National Insurance and Tax payments. As employment is often relatively short-term, a private pension scheme may not be offered. This should be clearly stated.

Holidays

Specify the number of paid days per year (e.g. 15-20 plus bank holidays). If there are restrictions on when leave can be taken this should be made clear.

Notice Required

Typically one month on both sides. Redundancy payment is not normally applicable, but the precise situation should be made clear.

Disciplinary Action

Hopefully such a situation will not arise, but the proper procedures of 2 verbal warnings followed by a written warning should be adhered to. Two written warnings must be followed by dismissal.

Baby Sitting

Arrangements are by mutual agreement. Occasional overnight care may be needed, for which extra payment will be necessary (usually paid at a standard rate from the end of normal working hours until midnight and thereafter at an additional rate). Be careful to stipulate a maximum number of hours to be worked each week. Baby-sitting requirements should be stipulated in the contract with a minimum of 24hr notice normally given to the Nanny. Baby-sitting twice a week would be considered reasonable, anything extra such as Sundays and the occasional overnight duty should be negotiated and attract additional reward.

Car Allowance and Car Insurance

Is a family car available and if so the arrangements for use/petrol need to be clarified and a mileage allowance needs to be provided when using the car at work. If the Nanny is to use their personal vehicle a mileage allowance needs to be provided. Insurance for use of the car in connection with work must be provided. It is best to clarify the situation with regard to drivers other than the Nanny and the use of public transport.

Public Liability Insurance

This needs to be in place All Counties Nannies provides relevant information for each nanny to take out personal negligence insurance. A prospective employer must have public and employers' liability and personal accident insurance, this is often covered through domestic household insurance All Counties Nannies recommends that this is checked, as you may need to increase your premium to cover this.

Access to Confidential Information

During the course of a Nanny's work there may be access to personal/confidential information. This should be respected and the contract should reflect this.

Petty Cash

It is quite likely that the Nanny will require cash for expenses in relation to the children.

Phone Calls

It is best to clarify at the outset the use of the telephone by the Nanny.

Other Matters

Issues such as smoking and visitors during working hours need to be dealt with in the contract.

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