Pocket money, working hours, contract for au pairs in the UK
How much pocket money does an au pair receive in the UK? What are the working hours? Do au pairs in Great Britain need to have a contract? You'll find all this information and more for au pairs and host families in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There is not an official au pair programme in the UK, but there are various ways that young people can come to the UK and have an au pair style cooperation with a UK family.
Here is further information based on the UK Government guidelines for au pairs:
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Au pair contract
There is no official au pair contract for the United Kingdom (England), but the European template is widely used and accepted.
The au pair contract must be signed before the au pairs travels to the host country and must specify all arrangements for the au pair stay (duties, holidays, working hours, pocket money, etc.). This will ensure a clear and fair arrangement between the family and the au pair.
Donwloads
Termination
It is possible to terminate the contract. The legal period of notice is 14 days. This should provide enough time for both parties to make other arrangements to find another au pair or host family or to return home. -
Duties
The primary responsibility of an au pair is to look after the children in the host family. In addition to childcare, au pairs can perform light household chores, but the main focus of their duties should concern the children. The host family and the au pair should make clear and definite arrangements about what the au pair's duties will be.
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Pocket money
According to UK Government guidelines, au pairs in England, Scotland, North Ireland and Wales should receive approximately 70-85 GBP per week. AuPairWorld recommends an amount at the upper end of this range between 80 and 85 GBP per week.
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Board & lodging
In addition to pocket money, an au pair receives free board and lodging with the host family during the au pair stay. Board and lodging shall also be provided during holidays and in case of illness.
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Working hours
Au pairs in the UK usually work 30 hours per week, babysitting included.
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Free time and holidays
An au pair is entitled to 2 days off per week. One of these days should be on a Sunday at least once every month.
There are no consistent regulations in the UK concerning holiday time that au pairs should receive. Our recommendation is that an au pair who stays with the family for 12 months should receive four weeks of holidays. (In case of shorter placements, this can also serve as the basis for calculating a prorated amount of holiday.)
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Language course
Au pairs should have the possibility to attend an English language course. Usually, au pairs pay for the cost of such courses themselves. The host family should help to find an appropriate course within their area if possible.
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National Insurance and income tax
Au pairs in the UK do not have the same employment status as regular workers and employees. However, depending on how much pocket money they receive, they may have to pay income tax and National Insurance.
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Au pair insurance
To be safely and fully insured, au pairs from all countries need to have a comprehensive private au pair insurance for au pair stays in the United Kingdom. Au pairs and host families should clarify in advance whether the host family will be prepared to bear part of the insurance costs for the au pair stay. Otherwise, the au pair must cover these costs.
AuPairWorld recommends the PROTRIP-WORLD insurance package to provide protection during the au pair stay. It is especially designed for au pairs and other young people spending time abroad. Among other benefits, this insurance covers the full costs of inpatient and outpatient medical care, plus return transport to the home country for medical reasons.
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Car driving and driving licence
Many host families would like to have an au pair who has a driving licence. It is important that au pairs who will be driving have enough driving experience to feel comfortable.
Don't forget: cars drive on the left in Britain. The au pair and host family should discuss whether the au pair will feel 100% safe driving in the UK.
Foreign driving licences are valid for a period of 12 months after arrival in the UK. Following this period other arrangements may be necessary.
In addition, questions of insurance and liability need to be clarified in advance. If the au pair has an accident with the family car, it should be clear how the costs will be handled. The host family should contact their own car insurance company and see if it is possible for the au pair to be included on the policy for the duration of the au pair stay.
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