Tasks You Can Expect Your Domestic Private Staff to Do and What Not To Do
Do you often struggle with household tasks during your busy schedule? Do you need help managing your chores? Employing domestic private staff could be the solution. However, understanding their roles and responsibilities is crucial for a smooth and effective working relationship. Here are some key points to consider when hiring and managing a housekeeper.
What is Housekeeping?
Housekeeping involves maintaining a household, either by family members or by hired domestic private staff.
Who is a Domestic Private Staff?
A domestic private housekeeper is hired to manage household chores such as cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, floor cleaning, and sometimes gardening and cooking. They are compensated for their services. For more details, visit [our website](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).
10 Reasons to Hire a Housekeeper
1. Busy household
2. Long working hours
3. Allergies to dust
4. New baby
5. Frequent travel
6. Pet and child care
7. Dislike for cleaning
8. Regular guests
9. Support for older family members
10. Lack of cleaning skills
Benefits of Hiring a Domestic Private Housekeeper
A domestic private housekeeper allows you to spend your valuable time on more important activities, balancing work and personal life. It gives you more time to relax and be with your family and friends.
Types of Housekeepers
– Domestic Housekeepers: Maintain bedrooms, kitchen, dining areas, gardens, and residential surroundings.
– Institutional Housekeepers: Maintain commercial lodging buildings like hotels and resorts.
Why are Bonds and Insurance Necessary?
– Insurance: Covers injury or damage during house cleaning, providing financial protection. If the company is insured, they handle the responsibility for any accidents.
– Bond: Protects against theft, damage, or non-delivery of promised services. You can file a claim for compensation if the company is bonded.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Domestic Private Housekeeper
– Keeping areas clean and neat
– Sweeping and mopping floors
– Dusting shelves
– Cleaning windows
– Pet care
– Emptying trash cans
– Notifying any damages
– Laundry and maintenance of cleaning equipment
Requirements of a Domestic Private Housekeeper
– Ability to maintain household items
– Time management skills
– Adaptability
– Organizational skills
– Basic maintenance and cleaning capabilities
How to Manage Your Domestic Private Housekeeper
– Treat them with respect
– Ensure timely payments
– Be generous with pay and salary
– Create a clear schedule and expectations
– Communicate and connect personally
Things You Should Not Do
1. Don’t rush the hiring process.
2. Don’t speak rudely.
3. Respect your housekeeper regardless of their role.
4. Allow them breaks and personal time.
5. Don’t judge by appearance.
6. Provide notice if you plan to terminate their employment.
7. Be reasonable with additional work requests.
8. Provide necessary cleaning equipment.
Rights of a Domestic Private Staff in the UK
– Holiday pay
– Reasonable working hours
– Weekly limit of 48 hours
– Rest breaks
– Payslips
– Safe working conditions
– National minimum wage
– Notice period for employment termination
– Maternity or paternity leave
– Employment agreement copy
– Legal actions against employer if rights are violated
Expected Duties of a Domestic Private Housekeeper
– Dusting
– Vacuuming and mopping floors
– Laundry and ironing
– Wardrobe management
– House organization
– Pet care
– Light cooking and gardening
– Polishing brass and silver
– Packing and unpacking
– Stock checking
– Cleaning appliances and windows
– Watering plants
Duties You Should Not Expect
– Heavy lifting
– Climbing ladders
– Cleaning up human or pet feces
– Personal care
– Driving
– Car washing
– Illegal activities
Overseas Domestic Private Staff
Many domestic workers come to the UK on an “Overseas Domestic Worker Visa.” They assist with cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and pets. Some enter as refugees or through spouse visas, primarily to support their families financially.
Rights of Overseas Domestic Private Housekeepers
– National minimum wage
– Paid leave
– Work breaks
– 48-hour weekly work limit
– Night work limitations
– Healthy working conditions
– Claim against employer for unmet requirements
Employer Responsibilities
– Pay the agreed amount
– Avoid forced labor
– Pay for extra work
– Fair deductions for transport or uniform
– Protect housekeepers from threats or harassment
– Ensure safe working conditions
– Address complaints promptly
For more information on hiring domestic private staff, visit [our website](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).