Nanny Employer's Responsibilities

In the UK, nanny employers have specific tax and legal responsibilities when hiring a nanny. Here's a comprehensive list:

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Employment Contract for your French-speaking nanny

Provide a Clear Employment Contract:

• Draft and provide a comprehensive employment contract outlining terms and conditions of employment. Include details such as working hours, duties, salary, benefits, and termination clauses.

 

Compliance with Employment Laws:

• Ensure that the employment contract complies with relevant employment laws and regulations in your jurisdiction (UK).

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Registration and Documentation:

Register as an Employer:

• Register as an employer with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You have four weeks to register as an employer after you've hired your nanny.

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Keep Accurate Records:

• Maintain accurate records of employment, including payroll records, time-sheets, and any other relevant documentation required by local authorities.

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Provide Payslips:

• Provide regular payslips detailing the nanny's gross and net pay, as well as any deductions. This is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. In the UK, we recommend the nanny payroll companies nannytax.co.uk and nannypaye.co.uk.

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Tax and Social Security Contributions:

PAYE (Pay As You Earn):

• Nanny employers are required to register for PAYE (Paye As You Earn) and deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from their nanny's salary.

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National Insurance Contributions (NICs):

• Both the employer and the nanny may need to make National Insurance contributions. The employer is responsible for deducting the employee's NICs and paying employer's NICs.

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Workplace Pension Scheme:

Enrol in a Workplace Pension Scheme (where applicable):​

• Inform the nanny about their pension rights and options, and provide any necessary documentation related to pension contributions.

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Pension Auto-Enrolment:

• If the nanny meets certain criteria, the employer may need to enrol them in a workplace pension scheme and make contributions.

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​The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) is one of the pension schemes that employers can use for auto-enrolment. NEST is a government-backed pension scheme that offers a simple and low-cost solution for both employers and employees.

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Insurance:

Employer's Liability Insurance:

• Have employer's liability insurance to cover potential workplace injuries or accidents. Check if this is covered in your existing insurance policies.

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Car Insurance (if applicable):

• If the nanny uses a car for work-related duties, ensure that the vehicle is appropriately insured for both personal and work-related activities.

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Working Conditions and Benefits:

Provide a Safe Working Environment:

• Ensure that the working environment is safe and complies with health and safety regulations.

 

Statutory Leave Entitlements:

• Provide information about statutory leave entitlements, including paid vacation, public holidays, and sick leave.

 

Additional Benefits:

• Consider providing additional benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, or other perks, as agreed upon in the employment contract.

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Communication and Professionalism:

Open Communication:

• Maintain open and clear communication with the nanny. Discuss expectations, concerns, and any changes to the employment arrangement.

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Professional Development:

• Support the nanny's professional development through training opportunities or courses related to childcare, if applicable.

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Termination:

Termination Procedures:

• Clearly outline termination procedures in the employment contract. Follow legal requirements for termination notice and severance pay.

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Provide References:

• If terminating employment, provide a reference for the nanny to assist in finding new employment.

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Legal Compliance:

Stay Informed:

• Stay informed about changes in employment laws and regulations. Regularly update employment contracts and policies to ensure compliance.

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Legal Consultation:

• Seek legal advice when necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with employment laws and regulations.

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By adhering to these employer obligations, you can create a positive and legally compliant working relationship with your nanny. Always seek professional advice to address specific legal requirements in your jurisdiction.

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Check our dedicated French Nanny Hire Toolkit​ for more resources on hiring a nanny.