In the United Kingdom, there are specific guidelines regarding the Au Pair program which can be changed slightly according to the needs of the Host Family and the Au Pair. In this article, we will tell you more about these topics:
Although the Au Pair program is usually a win-win cooperation between the Au Pair and the Host Family, there are rules that both sides should respect. In this post we have gathered the most important information about being an Au Pair in the United Kingdom.
The participant should spend 30 hours per week on the Au Pair duties including babysitting!
Although it is not recommended, the participant can also work part-time; as an EU citizen the applicant can work in the UK, and the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows non-EU Au Pairs in the UK to work up to 20 hours per week in addition to the participant’s responsibilities. The Host Family should always be a priority, though.
According to the official Au Pair program in the UK, the participant should receive a salary of about 70-85 GBP per week, which makes a total of 310 - 380 GBP per month.
Still, if the participant happens to work more than 30 hours per week (only upon the mutual agreement!) she/he can negotiate some extra salary.
The participant in the United Kingdom will have at least 1 day off a week. This day should be a Sunday at least once in a month.
The participant will also have the right to holidays, although in the United Kingdom there are no clear requirements regarding this case.
It is recommended to grant 4 weeks of holiday per 12 months of the program, but the participant needs to discuss the details with the Host Family. Make sure to note this in your contract as well!
The participant needs to have the possibility to attend a language course in the United Kingdom. A daily schedule of activities will help them plan their classes.
The Au Pair has to cover the cost of the language course, the Host Family doesn't have to support them. The participant can always ask the Host Family to take it into consideration though!
What else?
The participant should keep the income tax in mind. The pocket money, in most of the cases, is not high enough, so the income does not have to be taxed. To pay taxes and National Insurance contributions, the participant has to receive more than 140 GBP per week.
