Full‑Time Housekeeping Staffing Guide

Scope of Works

• Daily cleaning & tidying of all rooms, surfaces and floors.

• Laundry & ironing including delicate fabrics, linen rotation and wardrobe care.

• Basic cooking / meal prep or assisting the chef, depending on contract.

• Household organisation—stocking supplies, running errands, managing trades.

• Pet & plant care by agreement (feeding, walks, watering).

• Seasonal deep cleans and change‑over tasks before/after guests.

• Security & key‑holding duties when owners are absent (live‑in roles).

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Time on Site

• 40 hours per week is standard (e.g., Mon‑Fri 08:00‑17:00 with breaks).

Recruitment lead time 2‑4 weeks for short‑listing, interviews, references and notice periods.Longer if the post is live‑in (accommodation prep), rural (scarce candidates) or requires enhanced DBS clearance.

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. What vetting (DBS, reference, right‑to‑work) do you complete before placement?

2. Is your agency fee refundable if the housekeeper leaves within a set period?

3. Will you handle payroll & HMRC filings or provide guidance on Stafftax/Paymaster services?

4. What is the expected gross salary band for my location and duties?

5. Do you offer trial days and how are they invoiced?

6. How are holidays, sick pay and overtime calculated in the employment contract?

7. Can you supply temporary cover during annual leave or emergencies, and at what rate?

   
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clarify duties (cleaning only vs. cooking, childcare, pet care) in a written job spec.

• Budget for on‑costs—employer NIC, pension, insurance, supplies—beyond take‑home pay.

• Provide a cleaning cupboard & equipment so the housekeeper needn’t buy their own.

• Prepare accommodation (if live‑in) to meet H&S and privacy standards before start date.

• Agree notice periods and a three‑month probation to protect both parties.