How to take on a domestic cleaner without breaking the law
There’s a stranger in my home!
Before taking anyone on, you must be very careful that YOU are not about to break the law!
* Illegal Aliens
There are many ways that someone who was not born in the UK has arrived here and made themselves available for employment.
First and foremost, you’ll want to check they are not illegal, otherwise you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law, facing a criminal record and a fine of £5,000!
You’ll want to see their Passport plus Home Office Documents, including Work Permit, Business Visa, Grant of Status (Exceptional Leave to Enter or Leave to Remain), which must have the Home Office stamp inlcuding date and must contain a reference number, starting with the first letter of the surname of the applicant. (We have seen obvious forgeries- obvious when you know what you are
looking for).
* Au pairs
Au Pairs originating from outside the EU are only allowed into the UK when they are assigned to a particular family at a particular address. In 2005 legally an au pair can work for a maximum of 5 hours a day and have two days free. For this they receive an ‘allowance’, not a wage, because they are not eligible for ‘employment’. So, beware that you don’t take on an au pair from your neighbour! Otherwise you’d be in trouble and your neighbour’s au pair will find herself whisked out of the country. Worse still if you yourself have an au pair - don’t help her to find work as you could be charged with aiding and abetting.
Dust To Shine receive calls every week from young girls with exotic accents seemingly unaware that they are contravening the laws of the country. When their English is bad, often it is their host family phoning for them and doing them a favour in trying to get more work.
Continued in Part 5.
Tags: Cleaning tip