[Anna Warren]

Following my previous post about growing  a business, I've put my words into action. I gave a job advert on JobCentre website, 10 hours per week, domestic and office cleaning.
16 applications, 14 of them could been thrown to the bin straight way. One of applicants is based 1,5h driving from me, other 6 an hour, one wrote in a cover letter "I'm looking for a job as a kitchen assistant" (?) . One CV looked promising at first, but then I noticed previous employment dates: July 2013-November 2013, October 2012- January 2013 and so on.
I accept I can offer only 10 hours now, but I can't  get more work without staff.
What can I do?

[SarahJC]

Hi I am having the exact same problem.
The best results I have had have been from gumtree, I have placed an advert for self employed cleaners and found two gems after sifting through email after email of 'not quite gems' I have to very careful about their self employed status though and the pain is that as they work for other people they may not be available when I get a last minute job in. But I am managing well enough for the moment..

[Anna Warren]

Thanks Sarah for reply, I'll try Gumtree.
Can I ask how much you pay your staff? One of my current employees just asked for a pay rise , as £7/h is too little.

[SarahJC]

I pay 9.00 per hour, I think its a good rate especially as they get paid more or less straight away, they have to invoice me though and I pay via bank transfer

[Dan Wileman]

Provided a cleaner gives you an invoice, is that enough in terms of your responsibility? If the cleaner you have employed gives you an invoice but has not actually registered as self employed with HMRC is that our problem and can we fancy any issues? I'm just starting with the same process and would be keen to find out as this method is sure easier than employing someone!

[chris carter]

Im not completely sure but I was told that YOU are still liable if they dont pay thier tax. Only way around this to have them go ltd company. As I said Im not sure so dont shoot me if its wrong.