Happy Home Childcare - Nanny agency

Latest News

Domestic Visa Worker saved

June, 25th 2008

Recruitment Confederation news update 25 Jun 2008 Domestic worker visa saved The REC is delighted to see that the Government has reversed its plans to scrap the domestic worker visa. Commenting on the U-turn, Anne Fairweather, the REC’s Head of Public Policy said: “Agencies that supply domestic workers were horrified to hear the Government’s plans first mooted two years ago to scrap the domestic worker visa. “Many domestic workers escape abusive employment relationships with the families they are based with, through seeking new work opportunities through recruitment agencies. This route would have been closed down under the original plans.” The REC has made representations to the Home Office on this matter and is pleased to see that theome current regime will continue for at least a further two years. Fairweather continues: “Domestic workers often provide vital in-house support for busy families and may assist in the care of children and elderly relatives. It is simply not possible to recruit EU citizens for jobs based in private family homes. The Government needs to continue to assess the need for migrant workers to fill these jobs in a sensible manner.” The Government’s plans to continue the current regime for domestic workers were announced in the UK Border Agency document “Government Response to the Consultation on Visitors” on 25th June 2008. The UKBA press release and document can be downloaded at:

Rates for tax year 2008/2009

April, 5th 2008

Current tax thresholds You must register and pay tax and NI on behalf of your employee if you pay them £105 or more per week. You must also register if your employee has another job, even if you pay them below the threshold. If you pay £90 or above and your employee does not have another job you should still register as an employer although no tax and NI will be due. This will enable your employee to receive state pension and other benefits. Tax and NI payments If your monthly tax and NI bill is below £1,500 you only have to pay tax and NI to HMRC on a quarterly basis. Payment dates 19th July 19th October 19th January 19th April Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) The current rate is £75.40 per week. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) The first six weeks of SMP are at 90% of average gross weekly earnings. The remaining weeks of the maternity pay period (up to a maximum of 33 weeks) are paid at the lower rate of £117.18 gross per week, or 90% if lower. Redundancy pay entitlement Aged between 18 and 21: half a week’s pay, or £165, whichever is lower Aged between 22 and 40: one week’s pay, or £330, whichever is lower, Between 41 and retirement: one and a half week’s pay, or £495, whichever is lower National Minimum Wage (NMW) £3.40 per hour gross for employees aged between 16 and 17 £4.60 per hour gross for employees aged between 18 and 21 £5.52 per hour gross for employees aged 22 years and over Offset allowance per 7-day week: £30.10 The rates will be updated as and when they become available. information provided by NannyTax

REC Membership

February, 28th 2007

As of February 2007, HappyHome Childcare joined the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the leading industry body covering the recruitment industry. This means that we benefit from the knowledge and support from this organisation, as well as keeping up to date with new legislation and market trends. Our clients and candidates also will benefit as this will ensure that we adhere to certain standards as laid down by the REC.