Au pair freedoms during lockdown? Post Reply

[LImum]

What sort of parameters have you set your au pairs during lockdown?

Ours used to stay over at a friend’s quite often at the weekend and we told her when tier 3 came in that this wasn’t allowed any more. Her friends family said they didn’t mind but we do.

The first weekend in proper lockdown she came home well after 10 and we are sure she is just hanging out in her friend’s bedroom. We said that during this lockdown it was ok to go and meet her friend/ during the day for walks/coffee in the park but that after dark she should really be at home as it is supposed to be a proper lockdown.

Is this unreasonable? I know her friend’s family haven’t been following the rules so I think she feels hard done by.

I’d be interested in how other families are handling this as obviously she is an adult (although only just 18) but she is also living under our roof.

[JoCM]

Being honest, I think it is her decision. You will probably find people with very different opinions on the matter but she is an adult and not under your guardianship. She works for you and her obligations torwarsa you are limited to work requirements only. Tough subject & I expect to see dissenting views on the matter.

[Kjam143]

We went through this the last lockdown with a live in nanny/housekeeper.

We asked her to respect the government guidelines and she repeatedly broke them.

We actually ended up seeking advice on whether it would be considered a breech of contract and apparently it would be even though it was out of working hours it could be considered endangering the family and/or damaging the family reputation both of which were covered in our standard contract.

In the end we didn’t go for breech of contract but we had to agree to disagree on our approach to the pandemic and she worked her notice and left. I don’t regret the decision as I feel quite strongly about following the guidelines but I know that not all do so each to their own.

I’m not sure if that helps you at all but just another perspective.

[Bunnypigeon12]

I have to diasagree with the poster who said it is her choice as she is an adult. Quite simply she is living in your house and therefore your rules apply, as long as they are within reason- and sticking to national guidelines definitely is.
Last lockdown we asked our nanny to move in with us as it seemed the only viable choice. We were very clear that she had to follow the national guidelines or it would result in her employment termination. Luckily for us she was fine with it. Admittedly it’s easier for her- a woman in her 40s, than it must be for younger people who just want to have fun. I feel for them, I really do, but not enough to change my mind!