Questions

A great deal of time and effort goes into recruiting suitable workers. This begins with initial advertising and talking to possible workers on the phone. Many of these people turn out to be unsuitable or are put off by our rigorous selection requirements which includes an hour long interview. We are constantly advertising for new workers but unfortunately, it is the nature of this type of work that many people make an appointment for interview and then don’t turn up. Of those that do, even fewer will be selected as suitable. By using Little Treasures we save you from the enormous effort and hassle that recruiting a worker yourself normally involves.

We do encourage our existing workers to introduce their friends and relatives to the agency by offering the existing workers incentives. We find that workers introduced in this way are often the most reliable. Interviews are normally carried out at our home office but sometimes we visit prospective workers in their own homes. Of those that we interview, we require sight of two original items of identification such as a Passport, Driving Licence and at least two written references. We always check these references out with a personal phone call. Copies of these references are available to prospective clients on request. We also keep a photograph of each worker. These precautions are all aimed at ensuring the honesty of workers. If successful, the worker is placed on our register as being available for work.

Absolutely. When you first register with us we note your requirements in detail, including any preferences. This may include the best days and times for the work to be carried out, type of house you have etc., but also any feelings you may have about the choice of worker. We also need to know about pets and access arrangements. We will then ask those workers that we consider to be suitable to contact you to arrange a good time to meet.  We aim to give you a choice of worker, where possible, so you may receive a call from more than one person.

Worker availability can change very quickly so it is best to arrange to meet as quickly as possible.

You will have the final choice after meeting the potential worker(s).  However, we are always happy to give further information to help you make your decision. We always advise against asking a worker to do a trial session before you have met her/him.  The meeting gives the worker a chance to assess the work involved before agreeing to go ahead.

We do not charge any up-front introduction or registration fees, unlike many other agencies providing a similar service. You only start to pay when your worker actually starts work.

Your payment is in two parts: Firstly, you pay the worker directly in cash at the hourly rate agreed by you directly with the worker you choose. The current market range of rates, depending on location, availability of workers, relevant experience, is available on request and will be included in our brochure. The agency makes no payment to the worker at any time and similarly they are never charged a fee for providing them with suitable work. You also pay a separate monthly or quarterly fee to the agency (normally by Standing Order) which contributes towards our running costs, e.g. advertising, recruitment, insurance, and keeping you supplied if your existing worker leaves or during periods of sickness and/or holiday. The agency rate varies depending on the number of hours and sessions that you have. Again, the current agency rates are available upon request or in our brochure.

Yes, you are required to provide all necessary cleaning equipment and materials including a vacuum cleaner and iron as appropriate (unless of course the worker is ironing for you in her own home). It is important that the equipment you provide is in a safe working condition and regularly checked e.g. cords on irons should not be frayed and plugs should be correctly wired and fused. We all have responsibilities towards visitors to our home and we need to take reasonable precautions to protect their health, safety and welfare. They also have responsibilities to protect themselves, of course.

The agency fee includes comprehensive commercial-level Public Liability and Employers Liability cover. Further details are to be found in our Information Brochure and in our Terms and Conditions.

Typically, a new enquiry will be filled within a few days of contacting us. However, as demand for our services is always very high there may be a waiting list at busy times of the year. This is particularly the case in some areas where the supply of suitable workers is limited. Rural areas can be especially difficult. If you would like to join our waiting list we will keep in touch with you regularly to let you know of progress with finding a worker.