Employing a youth for casual garden work: liability issues?
Discussion
A couple of times over the last year I advertised on facebook for someone to come and do some labouring the garden for cash. A nice young chap who normally works on a farm came and we got loads done in the garden over a couple of days. We were both very happy- he got extra cash for messing around with hedges and I quite enjoyed getting everything done quickly with someone to chat to.
On reflection though- is there any way I could get bitten doing this? If he falls off a step ladder etc could I get done for lack of health and safety training or something similar, or is he providing a service as a contractor and responsible for looking after himself? It would be a real shame on both sides if this isn't an arrangement which works.
On reflection though- is there any way I could get bitten doing this? If he falls off a step ladder etc could I get done for lack of health and safety training or something similar, or is he providing a service as a contractor and responsible for looking after himself? It would be a real shame on both sides if this isn't an arrangement which works.
Just be sensible. Don't ask them to take risks or use kit etc without instruction.
When I moved into my empty house I posted on FB for a local cash in hand labourer (youth student etc) to assist.
I got a few numpty replies but after a bit of pruning I tried to engage one or two.
Some never turned up at all as agreed which was damn annoying as it was too late then to get another for that day.
One mids 20's chap came and I set him up with a simple job in the garage painting some doors while I worked indoors.
I came out to check on him less than 1hr later and he had simply left without a word forgetting to take his sandwiches in the process.
He blocked any calls and never returned. Very odd. (I ate his crisps and mars bar)
Finally after about three tries I got a reasonable male student who was a good help.
But being young and inexperienced he had to be directed and shown how to do DIY things which is fair enough.
I don't mind showing/demonstrating and it helped him as well.
Sadly I did not get an impoverished 20 year old busty budding glamour model student willing to 'assist' wearing only dungarees and a smile...
I provided my labourer with some of those screwfix cheap overalls, plastic googles, gloves and homemade sandwiches for lunch.
It probably chopped a good 1/3rd+ off the estimated project completion time, so IMO was well worth the investment.
I paid £10hr about 4 years ago. Working 8-4 or 8-6 £80/100 and a free lunch.
I did not ask them to go up rickety scaffolding, work at height, wire up my sockets etc or anything else obviously risky.
Just use common sense. For cleaning, sanding, painting and a load other crappy jobs it was great.
He was obviously happy as he texted me a few times after to see if I had any more projects!
It was also nice to have someone to talk with occasionally.
When I moved into my empty house I posted on FB for a local cash in hand labourer (youth student etc) to assist.
I got a few numpty replies but after a bit of pruning I tried to engage one or two.
Some never turned up at all as agreed which was damn annoying as it was too late then to get another for that day.
One mids 20's chap came and I set him up with a simple job in the garage painting some doors while I worked indoors.
I came out to check on him less than 1hr later and he had simply left without a word forgetting to take his sandwiches in the process.
He blocked any calls and never returned. Very odd. (I ate his crisps and mars bar)
Finally after about three tries I got a reasonable male student who was a good help.
But being young and inexperienced he had to be directed and shown how to do DIY things which is fair enough.
I don't mind showing/demonstrating and it helped him as well.
Sadly I did not get an impoverished 20 year old busty budding glamour model student willing to 'assist' wearing only dungarees and a smile...
I provided my labourer with some of those screwfix cheap overalls, plastic googles, gloves and homemade sandwiches for lunch.
It probably chopped a good 1/3rd+ off the estimated project completion time, so IMO was well worth the investment.
I paid £10hr about 4 years ago. Working 8-4 or 8-6 £80/100 and a free lunch.
I did not ask them to go up rickety scaffolding, work at height, wire up my sockets etc or anything else obviously risky.
Just use common sense. For cleaning, sanding, painting and a load other crappy jobs it was great.
He was obviously happy as he texted me a few times after to see if I had any more projects!
It was also nice to have someone to talk with occasionally.
Edited by peterperkins on Friday 11th March 09:05
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