A guide to working as an Au Pair in the UK

Au Pair UK

Working as an Au Pair in the UK is a great way to make a long term visit to the UK affordable and possible.

What can you expect when working as an Au Pair in the UK?

Accommodation:
When working as an Au Pair in the UK you will arrange to work with a family who need help with their children and household. You will be given a room, or sometimes an annexe in the family home as part exchange for your help.

Salary:
In addition to the room or annexe you will be given food, access to household facilities (subject to agreement) and regular income to cover expenses on average £40 to £60 per week. The amount you receive to cover expenses will be modest as your room and board have been provided.

Lots of free time:
Au Pairs working in the UK can work up to 5 hours per day for a maximum of 5 days per week. The maximum hours per week for an Au Pair working in the UK are 25.

Exposure to family life in the UK:
By living with a family in the UK you will become involved in their daily life. Although an Au Pair chooses to work in the UK it cannot be assumed that the family will be British, an Au Pair can choose to work with a family from another culture and experience that culture in a UK setting.

Exposure to the English language
While out and about an Au Pair working in the UK will certainly have every opportunity to brush up on their English. An Au Pair may even choose to attend language classes to help them along.

What can a family expect from an Au Pair working in the UK?
In exchange for room and board an Au Pair working in the UK can provide very valuable support to a family. If a family has a spare room it can be an affordable way of getting that very much-needed extra help.

Tasks and responsibilities can include:
Cleaning
School runs
Baby Sitting
Help with homework
Cooking
Teaching the children their language
Laundry

It is not usual or advisable for an Au Pair working in the UK to provide sole charge care to small children.

If an Au Pair working in the UK has agreed that driving will be included in their responsibilities then they must bring an appropriate passport with them.

When discussing the terms of engagement it is advisable to be clear of everything that is agreed and to get the details in writing, details such as:
Hours of work
Remuneration (what currency, when and how it will be paid)
Responsibilities (create a job spec or weekly rota/job list)
Accommodation (what private space will the Au Pair have?)
Access to household facilities (what can the Au Pair use and how much e.g. telephone)
House rules (e.g. visitors, loud music, alcohol, smoking)
Notice period
Holiday

Some helpful tips on employing an Au Pair to work in the UK:
Take up references in writing and verbally if possible
Validate the authenticity of the referee
Confirm that the Au Pair is authorised to work in the UK
Confirm the identity of the Au Pair

Some helpful tips on seeking work as an Au Pair in the UK:
Ask to speak to a previous Au Pair/Nanny if possible
Avoid families who ask you to send money in advance of your arrival
Avoid families who ask you to contact their ‘travel agent’ to arrange travel
Agree the terms for your return home; either at the agreed end of the engagement or earlier if things do not work out

For information on authorization to work in the UK visit:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf28pbsyouthmobility