We are currently recruiting new people to join our register of workers. Many of our existing workers have been with us constantly for up to 20 years whilst others just join the agency for a shorter period. The number of days and hours worked also varies enormously depending on personal circumstances e.g. fitting in around school or nursery times or perhaps another part-time job. We do have some workers who do not have regular work with the agency but are on standby for occasional ‘cover’ jobs in the event of sickness/holidays etc.
Why not contact us and see whether we can find work to fit in with your own particular circumstances?
These are a few of the most common questions we are asked by prospective workers – we hope that you find the responses we have given to be helpful.
Why do we need more people?
It is the nature of this type of work that people move on eventually so we always need new people to take over their jobs. In addition, we have an ever-growing waiting list of new clients who have been recommended to use our services. We don’t like to disappoint these potential clients or keep them waiting for too long.
What sort of people are we looking for?
The work we have available is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is in good health. We welcome applications from females and males, of any nationality as long as you can prove that you are legally entitled to work in this country and you have a reasonable level of English (written and spoken). You do not need to have previous experience although it is of course useful. You do not need to have your own transport although you will have to get to and from work yourself as transport is not provided. Generally speaking, over the 20 plus years that we have been operating we have found that the majority of our most successful workers have been those looking for part-time hours to fit in with other commitments, whether family or work. From students to retired people, from all walks of life, we have welcomed new recruits. Many people have jobs where there is a seasonal variation in the demand for their work and may need an extra source of income. Teachers/nurses doing supply work can all welcome an alternative source of income when their normal work is in short supply. Undergraduate students flock back to us each Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays to pick up regular cover work.
Where is the work available?
All our work is in private homes. We do not do any commercial work such as shops and offices. Most of our clients are either family households or professional couples. The area we cover includes Guildford, Godalming, Cranleigh, Woking and all areas between and immediately surrounding these four main towns and villages. We are normally able to find work for successful applicants as near to their own homes as possible although people with transport or those willing to use public transport obviously have more choice and opportunities.
What does the work consist of?
Think about the chores that you do around your own home every day/week. Then think about doing them in someone else’s home and getting paid for it as well – as simple as that! The majority of clients are looking for someone who will clean their home and treat it as they would their own home – respectfully and carefully. Of course, all clients vary in their exact requirements and standards but if you take a pride in your own home and like housework (especially if you’re paid for doing it) then you could suit some of our clients very well. Although a lot of the vacancies we have involve some ironing, not all of them do and you’ll have the chance to tell us what you are best at doing and the type of work that brings out the best in you.
How will I get paid?
We have arranged with our clients that they will pay each of our workers on the day of work and preferably in cash (or cheque/direct transfer by prior agreement with you). We offer a variable rate of pay depending on the area and location of each particular client.
What do I need to provide to join Little Treasures?
Every applicant will need to provide the following:
- 2 items of formal identification e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, rent book, bank statement, bill etc.
- 1 photograph of yourself – passport or snap taken within the last five years.
- 2 written references – preferably from a past or current employer but if this is not possible we will accept good character references from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your good character and general attitude. Please note that unfortunately we cannot accept references from family members or close personal friends.
All written references must show a telephone number where the referees can be contacted and followed up.
Will I have to attend an interview?
We do require that you have an informal meeting (rather than a formal ‘interview’) held at our home-based office in Cranleigh on a day and time that is mutually convenient. This includes evening and weekend appointments. It is very much a two-way meeting and neither party is obliged to commit themselves at this stage. However, if all goes well, including the checking of your references, and you are keen to go ahead, we should be able to offer you work within about 48 hours.
What happens if I need time off or I am ill?
Because of the nature of this type of agency work you are able to take time off for holidays etc. whenever it suits you and for as long or little time as you wish. However, you will not be paid for any time that you are not working. You will need to let your client and the agency know if you are unable to work because of sickness, medical appointment or for whatever reason. This type of work can be very flexible and should be able to accommodate problems of this sort. As a courtesy to your client(s) and to make our job easier we require as much notice as possible of any time you need to take off so that we can provide a temporary cover worker for the client(s).
How do I contact you?
You can either phone us on (01483) 267074 or 07957274630, daytime, evenings or weekends. Alternatively, you can email us or send us your details by clicking the ‘Contact Us’ button below to take you to our contact page. This will give us an idea as to the sort of work you are looking for. The next stage of course will be for us to talk to you in person over the phone before arranging to meet.
