London Nanny Contracts

Creating a written, formal contract with a nanny is extremely important for both parties.  It confirms both your and the nanny’s responsibilities to one another (and of course, to your children). 

Furthermore, it may be useful to note that nannies are normally entitled to 4.8 weeks  paid holiday each year ).  Paid holiday is calculated on a pro-rata basis for part-time nannies.  Standard procedure is that the nanny takes 2.4 weeks holiday at his/her convenience, and the other 2.4 weeks at the family’s.  It is also important to specify the amount of notice you require from your nanny before their taking holiday.  Remember, your nanny is entitled to 52 weeks of work per annum.  Should your family, at any time, not require him/her to work part of his/her regularly scheduled hours the nanny needs to paid for those hours or be given the opportunity to make it up later in the week.  The latter is acceptable as long as both parties come to an agreeable arrangement. 

*PLEASE NOTE THAT UK STATUTORY MINIMUM PAID ANNUAL LEAVE HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 4.8 WEEKS AS OF NOV 2007*

When putting together a nanny contract be sure to address the following points:

-          The nanny’s days, hours and place of work

-          Length of contract – 6 months, 1 year etc.

-          The nanny’s daily/weekly responsibilities

-          Salary and over-time compensation

-          Paid holidays, holiday notices and sick leave

-          Performance reviews

-          Nanny conduct requirements (including a drug & alcohol policy)

-          Maternity leave and pay (typically statutory minimum)

-          Accommodation (if you have a live-in nanny)

-          Travel requirements (if any for abroad or outside of regular place of work)

-          Petty cash and handling procedures

-          Confidentiality

-          Disciplinary and grievance procedures

The London Nanny Agency strives to make the lives of its clients easier by offering assistance in tailoring contracts specific to the nanny job you are looking to fill.