[Mrs Nicholls]

I have been told by a long standing staff member that one of our best customers wants to 'keep' our cleaner to herself, by offering her more hours, therefore this staff member having more money (customers words), or by taking her on herself, and has stated that this bares no bad feeling or anything towards my work, other staff or the rest of the biz, but that she has taken to this staff member.

I have in my employee contract that this isnt allowed to poach customers, and she wouldnt do that but, i'm feeling that i am having to make it worth her while to stay employed by me so we dont lose the revenue.
its a bit tricky, but was thinking along the lines of upping her rate of pay for this one customer, or for her to make her own arrangements with regards to cleaning kit/cover etc and i take a commission but that sounds too self employed when she no longer is, or just letting the customer employ her and we totally lose out.

Not sure which way to take it....

Lisa xxxx

[Chris B]

I suppose Lisa it depends how much you want to keep your cleaner, there is very little loyalty i am afraid, its not the greatest of career moves, she is going to go with the money, might be a good idea to have a chat with your client though regarding your contract with them and what it stipulates.

[cml]

What do you actually state in your contract about poaching employees?

Is there anything in your employee's contract that can be relied upon between employee and client?
i.e. a clause not to accept gifts, direct work with client etc whilst employed................etc.,

What type of contract or arrangements do you have with your client? Is this fixed by time or as and when required. 

[gordonswindows]

Hi Lisa

Let your employee go otherwise she will think she can hold you to ransom

Regards your client remind them of the loyalty you have shown to them and also how expensive it is to employ.

This employee will think they can do what they like with the new employer, she will take sick days she will skive and she will act like she did them a favour

What happens at holiday time? what happens if they want rid of her what happens if she ends up on maternity leave what if what if

using a contractor gives the client "insurance" with regards their cleaning needs

Let her go and understand that they both, the employee and employeer, need you more than you need them

good luck