Your questions

These are just a sample of some of the typical questions we are asked by prospective clients. We hope you find it helpful. Further details are available by contacting the agency directly. You will also find that our latest brochure provides more comprehensive information.

Q: How are workers recruited?

Q: Will I be able to select a worker myself?

Q: What exactly are the arrangements for paying?

Q: Do I need to provide anything for the worker?

Q: What is the insurance situation?

Q: How long will I have to wait before taking on a worker?

Q: How much notice do I need to give to cancel the arrangements?

 

Q: How are workers recruited?

A great deal of time and effort goes into recruiting suitable workers. This begins with initial advertising and talking to possible workers on the phone. Many of these people turn out to be unsuitable or are put off by our rigorous selection requirements which includes an hour long interview. We are constantly advertising for new workers but unfortunately, it is the nature of this type of work that many people make an appointment for interview and then don't turn up and of those that do even fewer will be selected as suitable. By using Little Treasures we save you from the enormous effort and hassle that recruiting a worker yourself normally involves.

We do encourage our existing workers to introduce their friends and relatives to the agency by offering the existing workers incentives. We find that workers introduced in this way are often the most reliable.

Interviews are normally carried out at our offices but sometimes we visit prospective workers in their own homes. Of those that we interview, we require sight of their Passport or some other positive proof of identity, two proofs of address and at least two written references which we always check. Copies of these references are available to prospective clients on request. We also keep a photograph of each worker. These precautions are all aimed at ensuring the honesty of workers.

If successful, the worker is placed on our register as being available for work.

Q: Will I be able to select a worker myself?

Absolutely. When you initially register with us we note your requirements in detail, including any particular preferences - not only about the best days and times for the work to be carried out, type of house you have etc., but also any feelings you may have about the choice of worker. We will then ask those workers that we consider to be suitable to contact you to discuss your requirements.

We feel that it is important that you have the final choice as to their suitability by chatting to them personally and deciding whether they will fit in with your individual circumstances and requirements. We would also recommend that you arrange to meet the worker prior to her starting to give her a chance to assess the work involved.

If you are unhappy with the worker in any way please let us know and we will do our best to find an alternative applicant for you as quickly as possible, subject to availability.

Q: What are the arrangements for paying?

We do not charge any up-front introduction or registration fees, unlike many other agencies providing a similar service. You only start to pay when your worker actually starts work.

Your payment is in two parts:

Firstly, you pay the worker directly in cash at the hourly rate set by the agency. The current rate is available on request and will be included in our brochure. The agency makes no payment to the worker at any time and similarly they are never charged a fee for providing them with suitable work.

You also pay a separate monthly or quarterly fee to the agency (normally by Standing Order) which contributes towards our running costs, e.g. advertising, recruitment, insurance, and keeping you supplied if your existing worker leaves or during periods of sickness and/or holiday. The agency rate varies depending on the number of hours and sessions that you have and is subject to VAT at the standard rate. Again, the current agency rates are available upon request or in our brochure.

We guarantee that the agency payment (excluding VAT) will never increase year-on-year as long as you remain with us continuously and your requirements remain the same. We have some clients still with us after 12 years and they are getting a fantastic deal!! No other agency offers such a guarantee.

Q: Do I need to provide anything for the worker?

Yes, you are required to provide all necessary cleaning equipment and materials including a vacuum cleaner and iron as appropriate (unless of course the worker is ironing for you in her own home). As their employer it is important that the equipment you provide is in a safe working condition and regularly checked e.g. cords on irons should not be frayed and plugs should be correctly wired and fused. We all have responsibilities towards visitors to our home and we need to take reasonable precautions to protect their health, safety and welfare. They also have responsibilities to protect themselves, of course.

Q: What is the insurance situation?

The agency fee includes comprehensive Public Liability and Employers Liability cover with Norwich Union . Further details are to be found in our brochure.

Q: How long will I have to wait before taking on a worker?

Typically, a new enquiry will be filled within about a week to ten days of contacting us. However, as demand for our services is always very high there may be a waiting list. This is particularly the case in some areas where the supply of suitable workers is difficult. Rural areas can be especially difficult. If you would like to join our waiting list we will keep in touch with you regularly to let you know of progress with finding a worker.

 

If you would like to proceed further why not click here to request your copy of our brochure or phone us on:

  (01483) 267074