Maternity Contract

[poocherama]

Afternoon,

Small employment problem here. My wife has just had a baby and as such we have hired a maternity nurse for 4 weeks to help out. She's been with us for 5 days and is not really working out. She's been quite rude to my wife, generally stroppy and doesn't seem to take well to being told what to do. My wife sat down with her at lunch time for a chat and the nurse essentially said she couldn't see it working out.

The contract stipulates that if we terminate at any point before or during the agreed period we are to pay her one weeks salary (£900). It doesn't say what happens if she is substandard or wants to leave etc. She was hired through an agency though the contract seems to be between the nurse and us.

My question is if she makes the relationship unworkable (which looks increasingly likely) is the onus really just on me to pay her off? Seems a bit one sided.

Thanks.

ETA - I didn't see the contract before it was signed by my wife!

[rog007]

Without seeing the full contract (as often what they don't say is what creates the challenge), then one has to assume in the favour of the employee. In a situation like this where emotions and sensitivities may be heightened, would a week's salary to resolve the problem swiftly and without and legacy actions be a bad thing? Trick then is to learn lessons for the next hire. Good luck!

[poocherama]

Thank you, I tend to agree.