Advice needed

[Jason Williscroft]

Had an office call me today - i have done their carpets a few times.

They have 2 permanent weekly office cleaners retiring and wanted to know if i could organise replacements.

I dont do that type of cleaning but thought it maybe an opportunity to start! Does anyone else have 'staff' that they place permanently on a contract like that? Its just 2 people they need 2 days a week, 2 hours each a day.

Is it worthwhile me getting involved or will the contracts etc make it not worth the hassle? Would also need to know the going rate for hourly cleaners - ie what i charge the office and what i pay the cleaners.

I am thinking it may not be worth it but dont like to see an opportunity pass by if it could be a stepping stone to more of these types of regular gigs - never know where it could lead Rodney!

 

[John Bolton]

Jason,

I have never done that type of work but offer a few things to consider:

• Do you have employers liability insurance? If not, what additional premium would be required.
• If you become a key holder, do you have/need key holder insurance?
• Have you someone who would act as a reliable standby for the inevitable occasions when let down by one/both of the other staff. Other than holidays, there will be times when someone simply fails to show up for work. If you are not normally working during this time-slot then you can cover this yourself but if your normal hours make you unavailable, you may need to call on friends and family.
• Would you be required to supply equipment and materials

There will be many other things to consider but having done so you need to decide whether the bottom line justifies the hassle.

 

[Joe Hatton]

Once you start employing people - life can get very difficult.
For 8 hours per week, where you turnover a profit of a few quid - its not worth it IMO.
If you want to go down that road then you go for it proper - bigger contracts, more staff etc and where you or some dedicated person is managing that side of it with the proper time and resources.