Full time Housekeeper
For 22 years, Bespoke Bureau has been looking after clients, helping them to find the most suitable domestic staff candidates, such as full time housekeeper and other domestic staff. Your home and family is our top priority, which is why all of our candidates go through a strict background and reference check.
For more information, call or email today to get household staff hire help: +442032900142 or info@bespokebureau.com
So, what does a full time Housekeeper do?
Housekeepers are an integral part of British households and have been for a long time. She or he will ensure that a home is clean, organised and neat. Housekeepers work in all sorts of homes. They are cleaning professionals, often with multiple responsibilities covering more than just cleaning.
For those considering hiring a full time housekeeper or thinking ab0out a career in housekeeping, understanding the role is key. In this article, we explain the duties, salary and other important information regarding the role as full time housekeeper.
Housekeeper duties
The duties of a housekeeper will vary based on their employer’s needs. Ideally, duties and responsibilities are agreed early on in the recruitment progress. By fully understanding the responsibilities, both employers and housekeepers can set clear expectations, and ensure that the household runs as efficiently as possible.
Typical housekeeper duties generally include:
Cleaning duties and maintenance
- Vacuuming
- Mopping floors
- Dusting
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces and appliances
- Emptying bins and disposing of waste.
- Cleaning Bathrooms and wet rooms
Weekly chores
A housekeeper may focus on vacuuming carpets and upholstery, cleaning mirrors, and polishing wooden furniture and similar on a weekly basis. Other deep-cleaning tasks for kitchen appliances like ovens and fridges are also typically done weekly.
Monthly chores
Monthly chores may involve cleaning hidden areas, such as behind and underneath furniture. Cupboards and storage areas may be cleared out and cleaned, air filters checked and replaced if applicable, and minor repairs like fixing loose door handles or changing light bulbs may be carried out.
Laundry and linen care
Laundry and caring for bed linens, clothes and curtains is another area of responsibility. Impressively, on a daily basis, the housekeeper will likely organise and wash clothes, folding and putting away laundry as needed. Weekly tasks can include ironing clothes and linens, changing bed linens, towels and other frequently used textiles. As a matter of fact, on a 6 month basis, the housekeeper may manage seasonal wardrobes, storing away out-of-season clothing and deep-cleaning items like curtains, rugs and upholstery.
Pet care
For households with pets, the housekeeper’s responsibilities often extend to animal care. Daily tasks may include feeding the pets and ensuring they have fresh water, as well as walking dogs or providing other forms of exercise. Weekly grooming tasks might involve brushing or bathing the pets and cleaning their living areas, such as cages or beds. Monthly responsibilities could include scheduling and attending vet appointments and reviewing and replenishing pet supplies, such as food and medication.
Cooking
A housekeeper cook may be responsible for preparing certain meals, along with washing dishes and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Weekly responsibilities can involve planning a menu in consultation with the household and shopping for groceries based on this plan.
Childcare and elderly care
In households where childcare or elderly care is required, the housekeeper’s role can expand significantly. A nanny housekeeper is a specialised housekeeping professional with the skills required to care for children alongside their household duties. Similarly a carer housekeeper has the skills and experience to care for elderly.
Specialised tasks
In addition to the basic responsibilities, a full-time housekeeper may also be entrusted with specialised tasks that go beyond the routine. These tasks depend on the specific needs of the household and can add an extra layer of comfort and organisation to daily life.
- Holiday prep – helping decorate
- Travel assistance – packing and unpacking luggage
- Events – Serving drinks for example or setting the table
- Errands
- Personal assistance – paying bills for example
Skills of a full time housekeeper
Aside from having previous experience, a good full time housekeeper will hold a range of soft skills:
- Professionalism
- Communication skills: clear communication with employers ensures that tasks are completed to satisfaction and any issues are promptly addressed.
- Attention to detail
- Time management and multitasking
- Discretion
- Flexibility
- Common sense
Legal and ethical considerations
When employing a full-time housekeeper, it’s important to consider legal and ethical aspects such as employment contracts, workers’ rights, and health and safety regulations. Employers should also think about insurance and liability to protect both parties.
Employment contracts
We recommend a written employment contract between the employer and the housekeeper. This contract should outline the terms and conditions of employment, including working hours, pay rate and duties. It should of course comply with UK employment laws.
Working hours
The Working Time Regulations 1998 set the legal framework for working hours in the UK. For a full-time housekeeper, this generally means a limit of 48 hours of work per week, unless both parties agree to opt out of this limit in writing. Rest breaks and periods are also mandated by law.
Health and safety
Employers are obligated to ensure a safe working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This could involve risk assessments for tasks that involve lifting heavy objects, using potentially harmful cleaning chemicals, or operating machinery like vacuum cleaners or lawnmowers. Any necessary personal protective equipment should be provided by the employer, such as gloves for gardening.
Insurance
Employers are required to have Employers’ Liability Insurance to cover any accidents or injuries that may occur in the workplace.
Right to work
Before employing a housekeeper, you must check that they have the legal right to work in the UK. This involves verifying identification documents and, if necessary, checking immigration status.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond legal obligations, ethical considerations should also be taken into account. This includes treating the housekeeper with respect and dignity, providing fair working conditions and ensuring you respect their need for a work-life balance. Discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, religion or any other protected characteristic is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 and should be actively avoided.
Helping you find the right housekeeper
A full-time housekeeper can play an important role in maintaining a household. Their skills and responsibilities are diverse. Furthermore, they bring value to a household by saving time and also reducing stress.
Bespoke Bureau introduces you to the market’s most professional housekeepers. Importantly, we take into account the needs and requirements of both parties. We help with the entire employment process and for you to understand your obligations, as well as what you should be expecting from your service or employment.
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