Can I hire housekeepers during Covid? The simple answer is yes! The Government has advised as of 4th January 2021 that “where it is necessary for you to work in other people’s homes – for example, for nannies, cleaners or tradespeople – you can do so“.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the team at SILKS have implemented a number of precautions in order to minimise risk for both our clients and their staff. Instead of meeting with new clients and candidates, all meetings are taken place across Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp call or other suitable video call service. The initial interviews between clients and candidates will also take place via video call to avoid unnecessary movement between homes.

We are encouraging our clients and candidates to communicate expectations prior to arrival. This is to ensure any extra social distancing and hygiene measures are followed precisely. As standard, candidates will be briefed as follows:

• Face masks must be worn and social distancing rules must be maintained at all times
• Hands must be washed upon arrival of the property
• If any candidates are feeling unwell, or are showing any signs of Covid, then they must not attend any interviews, trials or work
• Where possible, staff should open windows to ventilate rooms where they are working

We request that clients notify SILKS if there is anyone within the household who is isolating or if there individuals are shielding. In these circumstances, we would not send any candidates to the property for interviews, trials or to commence a new placement.

For more information, please view the government guidelines here. Or please contact SILKS to discuss hiring housekeepers during Covid.