FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions we receive. If you don't find the information you're looking for, feel free to get in touch with us directly.

1. Do I have to pay tax when employing household staff?

Tax obligations depend on how many hours per week your domestic staff will be working. For further guidance, we recommend discussing domestic staff employment rules with us or consulting your tax advisor. Learn more about tax issues related to domestic staff.

2. Am I responsible for tax when employing domestic staff?

Yes, as the employer, you are legally responsible for tax obligations unless the candidate is self-employed or their working hours fall under certain exemptions. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance tailored to your specific household.

3. Do domestic employees need to be insured?

We highly recommend that you implement staff insurance for your household staff. While claims are infrequent, it’s a responsible approach that provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances. Read more on insuring household staff.

4. If we interview domestic staff outside the UK, who pays their tax?

Clients are responsible for all travel expenses related to overseas interviews. However, we ensure that these costs remain reasonable and in line with the recruitment process. Get more details on overseas recruitment.

5. Can we organise interviews at the Perfect Household Staff offices?

Yes, you can arrange interviews at our comfortable and well-equipped offices, by prior appointment. Please contact us to schedule and discuss your requirements in detail.

6. Do you carry out DBS (CRB) checks?

Yes, we conduct DBS checks when necessary and upon request as part of our thorough vetting process. A supplementary fee applies for this service. Learn more about our background checks.

7. Does the candidate have to pay anything?

No, we do not charge candidates any fees. We believe in providing a fair and transparent service for both clients and candidates. Find out more about our fee structure.

8. Do you provide any courses for household staff or parenting courses?

Yes, we offer a wide range of training, including nanny courses, house manager, and housekeeper courses, which have proven invaluable to many attendees. Contact us for more details or visit our training resources page.

9. Do you place staff locally or internationally?

As an international recruitment agency, we specialise in sourcing and placing household staff globally, based on the unique requirements of each client. Explore international recruitment services.

10. What types of domestic staff do you recruit?

We recruit a variety of highly skilled domestic staff, including housekeepers, nannies, butlers, chefs, chauffeurs, estate managers, and more. Each candidate undergoes thorough vetting to ensure they meet our high standards.

11. How long does it take to hire domestic staff?

The timeframe depends on your specific needs. For urgent placements, we can have someone in place within a few days, while highly specialised roles may take longer.

12. What if the staff we hire isn’t a good fit?

We provide a full guarantee for placements. If the staff member does not meet your expectations, we’ll provide a replacement at no additional cost or offer a refund. See our satisfaction guarantee.

13. Do you provide emergency or temporary staff?

Yes, we offer temporary staffing solutions for emergencies, sickness cover, and short-term requirements.

14. What is the process for hiring domestic staff?

We follow a streamlined recruitment process: we first discuss your needs, set realistic expectations, then rigorously vet candidates. Learn more about how our process works.

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