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I am considering employing a nanny, but am worried about the responsibilities this places on me as an employer. What are the main issues I need to consider? Is there support available?

We are an Indian couple and have recently moved to the UK. Our two and half year old daughter still does not understand English. Would she be okay with a childminder although she doesn’t speak English or should I try another form of childcare?

I work in the public sector and am about to return to work after maternity leave. I had a verbal agreement with my employer that I would be given 4 weeks’ notice of the shifts I would be working so that I can arrange childcare. My employer is now only giving me 2 weeks’ notice.

I am currently on a fixed-term contract ending December 31st 2008, with a two-month notice period if they or I want to cancel before. Where do I stand with maternity rights? I am due 02/03/09 so 2 months after my fixed term contract expires. Will I just claim Maternity Allowance for the Benefits Agency?

• Is there any encouragement being made for nurseries to fit with more flexible working hours? Lots of nurseries still only seem to do mornings, afternoons or a full day and full days are very expensive.
  Answer by Daycare Trust / Posted in Childcare 29/07/2008
• I have worked for the NHS since 2001, but last year I worked six months for two agencies working with the NHS. I have been with my current employer for nine months. I have been told I only qualify for six weeks of 90% full pay and standard statutory maternity pay for 39 weeks. Is this so?
  Answer by Anna Docherty / Posted in Employment advice 25/07/2008
• I work for a working men’s club. I gave in my notice but then changed my mind. I wrote a letter of retraction and they say I can retract but go on a temporary contract. What rights do I lose on a temporary contract?
  Answer by Anna Docherty / Posted in Employment advice 23/07/2008
• I last worked in December  2002 before I had my first child. I have taken a course in customer  service, which leads to a level 2 Asset Certificate in customer services and am looking for work, with no luck so far. Any ideas?
  Answer by Alice Jones / Posted in Career Coaching 20/07/2008

• I'm due to go on maternity leave in August and my flexible working request has been turned down as only senior managers get flexi hours. I feel this is unfair. Can I complain?
   
  
  Answer by Helen Climance / Posted in Employment advice 15/07/2008
• I made a flexible working request, but it was rejected on the grounds that my role was customer-facing and required full- time hours. I was willing to do 30 hours per week in any other role they could offer me. I have received no response after 28 days and am very stressed as I go back in six weeks. What should I do?
  Answer by Jane Barclay / Posted in Employment advice 12/07/2008
• Both my partner and I work full-time, but I do most of the childcare organisation. At work I am expected to say it is a level playing field. This creates tension at home, but I can't afford to go part-time. What can I do?
  
  Answer by Susie Kendall / Posted in Life coaching 09/07/2008
• After my maternity leave, I was offered a different temporary job with less favourable conditions until September. I rejected this, but have not been compensated nor offered regular work from September. A grievance procedure has started after I complained and I have been told to bring a representative to a hearing. What is my legal position?
  Answer by Anna Docherty / Posted in Employment advice 01/07/2008
• I hurt my back at work over 6 years ago and this combined with other medical problems meant I could not work for long periods over the last six years. I would like to try and go back to work part time, but am worried about my prospects as I have no current work experience and still suffer with lower back pain. I have had management experience within the catering industry.
  Answer by Alice Jones / Posted in Career Coaching 25/06/2008
• I started a full-time job last April, but this was reduced to 15.5 hours in May. I have no contract, but my employer is pressing me to accept a part-time one. Do I have to? Also how do I work out how much holiday I am owed pro-rata? I took unpaid holiday last July.
  Answer by Anna Docherty / Posted in Employment advice 24/06/2008

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