How much should I be paying my staff?

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Original Message Added : 27 Jul 2012

Hi all i run a pet services business and employ a dog sitter to look after dogs in her own home, but im not sure how much i should be paying her.

I have insurance to enable her to take the dogs out

I would need to pay per dog per day but dont know what a reasonable amount would be, we did agree an amount but now she is asking for more

Anyone got any advice

Thanks

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	Muddy pups from Muddy Pups
Location :	Baldock
Joined :	26 July 2012
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Posts :	1 ( 0)

Reply : 29 Jul 2012

The best thing is to check out the competition in your area. It shouldn't be too difficult to find out how much they charge. Where I live, the cost ranges from £16 to £20 per night but if you are sub-contracting this out, then you would keep a percentage.

You might also want to ensure that the dogs are insured on your employee's premises and that she is personally insured to house sit animals in her own home.

Your clients should also know that you subcontract this work and that their dogs are not actually staying at your premises.

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	Barbara Patrick from The Back Office
Location :	Reading
Joined :	26 January 2010
About :	Barbara Patrick - The Back Office
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Posts :	59 ( 29)

Reply : 30 Jul 2012

Is this person an employee or self employed?

If she is an employee you have to provide an employment contract, pay at least minimum wage, holiday pay, maternity pay, employee insurance, employers national insurance, paye reponsibilities and other horrendous costs.

If she is self employed you are free of all this hassle. If she wants more money agree to pay more or say no and find someone else.

Make sure that you have insurance in place to cover the welfare of the dogs or you will be personally liable if any harm comes to them. You are operating as a business and not as a friend helping out.

Regards

Andrew

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	Andrew Tomkinson from Business Insurance Oxford
Location :	Bicester
Joined :	22 May 2012
About :	I help small businesses save money on their Business Insurance
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Posts :	25 ( 4)

Reply : 4 Aug 2012

Check what the maket price is, from what you said sounds like she is self employed.

I cannot see any problem to find someone else.

In terms of insurance, I found simplybusiness 's quote is competitive

Hope it helps

HArry Lee

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	Harry Lee from SC Lee Accountant
Location :	Purley
Joined :	19 August 2008
About :	Tax and accounting Specialist
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Posts :	222 ( 47)

Reply : 8 Oct 2012

I would be careful about employment status if this becomes the person's only source of income. Many dog walkers are indeed Employed and paid under the PAYE scheme.

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	David Williams from The Wages Room UK Payroll Bureau
Location :	London
Joined :	07 September 2012
About :	Founder of the Wages Room Payroll Service
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Posts :	56 ( 7)

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