Signature Staff

FAQs

How do I convert gross salary to net salary as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?
Open How do I convert gross salary to net salary as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?

The easiest way to determine your net pay (salary into your bank account after deductions) is to call your Signature Staff consultant and we’ll be able to advise you.

Does the client incur travel costs when the employee starts a new position?
Open Does the client incur travel costs when the employee starts a new position?

The client is responsible for covering travel expenses at the start and end of the employment.

Over and above this, for overseas placements, 1-2 return flights to the candidate’s country of residence are typically included and will be set out in the employment contract.

Is there usually a trial period with overseas positions?
Open Is there usually a trial period with overseas positions?

A trial period is normally built into a probationary period in the contract.

What kind of visa do I need to work as a nanny or member of household staff?
Open What kind of visa do I need to work as a nanny or member of household staff?

In the UK, you need to hold a full working visa – there are a few options currently available, including a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, a Spousal Visa, and an Ancestry Visa.

Currently, household staff are not able to be sponsored by employers to get visas.

For overseas positions (ex. UK), your Signature Staff consultant will ensure the requisite visas are applied for by the Client, and the Client will also bear the costs of these.

What are the best household staff interview questions?
Open What are the best household staff interview questions?
  • Please outline your relevant qualifications for the role.
  • What do you enjoy about working in the role?
  • What skill-set do you have as a domestic staff member that make you a valuable asset to the household?
  • Our expectation is that within your role you would complete certain duties. Are there any duties outlined in the job description that you aren’t happy to undertake?
  • Do you have any dietary requirements?
  • Do you intend to stay in the house on your days off or go home?
As a part-time nanny or other member of household staff, how do I get paid and declare tax in the UK?
Open As a part-time nanny or other member of household staff, how do I get paid and declare tax in the UK?

Those employees who work on a permanent part-time basis will be classified as employed.

If you are employed in a part-time role, your employer is responsible for operating a PAYE scheme.

What is a nanny housekeeper?
Open What is a nanny housekeeper?

The duties of a nanny housekeeper are wide ranging, depending on the requirements of the household, but in general they involve general household cleaning and tidying, laundry and ironing, cooking/help in the kitchen, and some lighter childcare duties including babysitting, school runs, etc.

What qualities make a good housekeeper?
Open What qualities make a good housekeeper?
  • Self-starter as opposed to needing significant direction
  • Strong cleaning and ironing skills
  • Good time-keeping organisation and appearance
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Easy to live alongside (if live-in housekeeper)
  • Ability to cope in an emergency
  • Respond well to direction
  • Reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness
What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?
Open What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?

There are a number of qualifications a maternity nurse may have including:

  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 4 (ONC accredited)
  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Breastfeeding Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Sleep Training Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
What qualities make a good maternity nurse?
Open What qualities make a good maternity nurse?
  • Ability to establish a routine
  • Helpful with advice and suggestions
  • Easy to live alongside
  • Ability to cope in an emergency
  • Reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness
How long should I book a maternity nurse for?
Open How long should I book a maternity nurse for?

The average is a 6-12 week booking for maternity assistance, though could be as short as for a 2 week period and as long as an 18 week period.

What is the appropriate start date for a maternity nurse?
Open What is the appropriate start date for a maternity nurse?

Most maternity nurses commence the role at or around the due date of the baby.

How long does it take to hire a maternity nurse?
Open How long does it take to hire a maternity nurse?

The average time from start to finish is 2-4 weeks.

The Signature Staff team spend a considerable amount of time and effort drawing up a shortlist of candidates who represent the best-fit for your household based upon both your maternity care requirements and their skill-set and personality.

Further time needs to be allowed for the schedules of both the client and candidates for interviews.

When should I start looking to hire a maternity nurse?
Open When should I start looking to hire a maternity nurse?

Most Signature Staff clients wait until 12 weeks into the gestation, when the pregnancy has progressed and they know whether they are expecting a single, twins or triplets.

We would encourage clients to register early to ensure an excellent selection of maternity nurses.

What are the best maternity nurse interview questions?
Open What are the best maternity nurse interview questions?
  • Please outline your maternity care qualifications.
  • Why do you enjoy working in maternity care?
  • What makes you a good maternity nurse?
  • Are you happy to educate me about my baby?
  • What is your chosen approach to routines?
  • When do you normally manage to get a baby sleeping through the night?
  • Will you support me if I change my mind about routine?
  • Are you happy to share a room with the baby?
  • Do you have experience helping breastfeeding mothers?
  • Can you give advice on diet and breastfeeding?
  • Are you willing to support with night feeds?
  • Can you give advice on expressing breast milk and how to store it?
  • Do you expect meals or are you happy to cook for yourself?
  • Are you happy to give the family some alone time?
  • Do you have any dietary requirements?
  • Will you be happy to make cups of tea or food for the family occasionally and help with some household chores such as the washing up?
  • Do you intend to stay in the house on your days off or go home?
  • Do you expect your own tv?
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