Registering an Assistant

[zanacal]

Please bear with me, I've searched and read all the threads I can find on the subject but I'm still not quite sure ...

I don't currently have enough children to need to take on an assistant but I have a friend who is interested in registering as my assistant if/when that should happen in the future. I am considering registering her as my assistant for emergencies in the meantime.

Firstly, she has a child of her own. What do others do in this circumstance? Do you charge for the child and do you charge the same as your other children or a reduced rate?

Secondly, I don't imagine I will be in the position where I am able to offer set days of work - sometimes I will want/need an assistant and sometimes I will not - can I take her on as an employee on a zero hours contract or is self-employment (for her) a better or viable option?

Thanks in advance x

[tonib]

Hi

I've registered an assistant for just in case/emergencies.

I spoke to an accountant about what I had to do with regards to being an employer. As she has no other job I'm her 'first employer' so I can pay her up to £140 pw without the need to register her for ni/tax. If earnings reach or go over that limit then I'll have to register.

She has a 10 year old so he just comes along too no charge. If he counted in numbers I'm not sure what to charge so sorry can't help on that.

Hth

Toni x

[zanacal]

Thanks for the advice Toni x