Are you paying your cleaner during lockdown?

PamelaJ1, if your cleaner is normally in regular employment with yourself then I would make up the shortfall of 20%.

You’re in a difficult position if you’re not receiving an income yourself. I guess if you can top her up, it would be a nice thing to do, but if she is able to claim 80% at least that’s something.

I’m still paying my cleaner but our income isn’t affected because Dh is retired. She’ll probably want to ‘repay’ me when this is all over by doing some extra bits and bobs, too.

Of course I'm paying our cleaner. I was always paid if off sick or on special leave or even holiday so I feel I'm honour bound to give anyone I employ the same conditions. I know that one other of her clients is doing the same. I can only hope that the others are doing the decent thing.

Yes we’re paying our cleaner what we normally pay her. And will continue to do so. We can afford to, so to me it’s the right thing to do.

We’re also paying our ironing lady.

When I sent my cleaner a text about having to stop her coming,I asked for her address so that I could send her some money, she wouldn't tell me! I will pay extra after this nightmare ends.

grannysyb could you get her bank details and set up a direct debit? That could remain in place once things are back to normal too.

I think you need to ask her. I stopped my cleaner and said I would obviously continue to pay. She asked me not to. We dont know peoples circumstances.

We have had the same wonderful cleaner for nearly 25 years and have always paid her when sick (rarely apart from six weeks after a hysterectomy) and on holiday, so we are continuing to do so. And I appreciate her even more after four weeks of doing it myself! The house looks distinctly the worse for wear without her energetic ministrations. I am desperate for her return!

Some cleaners don't decare cash in hand and that's why they won't give you bank details. I worked for a couple who paid for a carer for their granny. The carer got paid by cheque but asked to have the payee area left blank.
For that reason she was paid less than the going rate
We never knew her real name, just the English one she adopted.

*declare not decare

I told my cleaner I would pay her half wages while this lock down is on. She has refused but Once she is back at work I will make sure I pay her fir while she was laid off.

Jane10
Naïve?

I'm paying my cleaner, my ironing lady, my window cleaner, my bedmaker, cook and bottle washer the full going rate.
I'm making a mint.

I am paying my cleaner. I can afford it. She needed a bit of persuading though. I have told her there will be rather more to do when she can come back as I am not very good at it:-)

Gabriella- unpleasant?

Yggdrasil, my cleaner won’t find much to do. I’ve really ‘bottomed’ my house. I don’t expect that she can do much in 3 hours a week but she certainly keeps us on our toes.
I’ve done under the beds, cleaned our televisions with a toothbrush. I’m expecting more channels!!
I love her, she loves me so, hopefully, we’ll reach a compromise.,

Jane10
No. Realistic. Most cleaners don't declare unless they work for a company. Same for gardeners, ironers and everyone in between. Not all ... most.

I think you are right GabriellaG54, now it’s biting them on the bottom.

That's why I pay (and have always paid) my aides/helpers top dollar. ?

...'cos I have always done my own dirty work. ??

If they're employed weekly, a weeks wages are fair compensation when they finish work.

I'll have to let my ex know that he's been short changing me in the past.
Now where's my calculator and accounts book....rummage rummage....?️???️?

No I’m not. My husband is now furloughed so his salary has dropped by 20%. With five of us in the house (4 adults and one 13year old) either on furlough, studying or working from home I can’t justify £200 a month for a cleaner who isn’t cleaning.

Splutter splutter...Gordon Bennett, I could have a week in France (winter rates) plus a suitcase full of Primark clothes for that money.