Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Kevin R on October 20, 2008, 07:02:55 pm

Title: For those that employ
Post by: Kevin R on October 20, 2008, 07:02:55 pm
This question is for those that employ. I am talking directly employed not self or sub contracted labour.


I have been using subbies for a while but I feel it is time for a full time staff member.  I want to know what is the best way to pay them? Can you get any help from the job centre etc?

I would like to know about bonus payments for no sick days, productivity etc.
 What do you do when the weather stops play?

Any help appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: *cleanking on October 20, 2008, 07:10:20 pm
If you google taking on staff , there are goverment agencies who will help you for free and may even offer you financial support !
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: *cleanking on October 20, 2008, 07:28:48 pm
www.startinbusiness.co.uk
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: *cleanking on October 20, 2008, 07:29:54 pm
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: *cleanking on October 20, 2008, 09:57:10 pm
Thanks guys,

Im also interested in how best to pay staff. What bonus schemes work etc
When I ever worked for somone , I was happiest taking a percentage , then I would work my socks off !
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: mk1 on October 20, 2008, 11:10:34 pm
if you employ and pay that person say £6.00 per hour the cost to you will be approximately £10.00 per hour its a big step mate and finding the right person can be a mine field.

so 8 x10 going to cost you £80.00 a day with out making a bean for you

be very careful  ;) ;)
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: geefree on October 20, 2008, 11:59:56 pm


so 8 x10 going to cost you £80.00 a day with out making a bean for you

be very careful ;) ;)

unless he is bringing you in £150 per day
Quote
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Ian Rochester on October 21, 2008, 05:39:17 am
We pay all our guys a percentage of daily turnover, holidays are 24 days a year and are paid at an average of the previous 12 weeks earnings, I don't pay sick pay other than SSP which kicks in after 3 days.

As for paying someone £6 will cost you £10, that's not really true, there are hidden costs like NI (11.8% (70p)) and holiday pay (10% (60p)), but even with everything added on the true cost of an employ will be about 125% - 130% of what you are paying them.

If you pay them £6.00/hr, it will cost you a maximum of about £8.00/hr, however a good worker should be bringing in much more than that for your business.

Once fully trained my window cleaners earn anything between £16K - £24K PA.  If they get stopped for the weather they don't get paid, if they take a day off, they don't get paid, however if they go out and do £600 of commercial work in a day then they get paid accordingly.  It's swings and roundabouts and all my guys and me prefer it this way. 

When training they are on a basic salary of £6.00/hr until they can show they are of a speed where they can earn more on percentage, without getting any complaints from customers.  I give them a maximum time of 8 weeks to reach this level, otherwise they're gone. 
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Alex Gardiner on October 21, 2008, 07:38:06 am
Employers Liability is a must even for those who only sub contract their work out.

Employers liability (which I do have) does not generally cover Sub-Contractors.
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 08:58:49 am
employ Kevin! its the best thing i ever done ;) i pay a basic then a healthy bonus scheme. i found its the only way
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 21, 2008, 09:33:31 am
I pay £7.50 an hour from when they drive off in the van until they arrive back,

Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: seandyer2003 on October 21, 2008, 12:52:54 pm
I pay £7.50 an hour from when they drive off in the van until they arrive back,



I will work for you then dave, and get stuck in traffic for a couple of hours every evenin :)
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 21, 2008, 03:02:57 pm
We dont have traffic jams down here, if we do its a one off.

I have heard some people who pay from actually starting the first job until the end of the last job, which way do you pay ?
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: mk1 on October 21, 2008, 03:06:53 pm
We pay all our guys a percentage of daily turnover, holidays are 24 days a year and are paid at an average of the previous 12 weeks earnings, I don't pay sick pay other than SSP which kicks in after 3 days.

As for paying someone £6 will cost you £10, that's not really true, there are hidden costs like NI (11.8% (70p)) and holiday pay (10% (60p)), but even with everything added on the true cost of an employ will be about 125% - 130% of what you are paying them.

If you pay them £6.00/hr, it will cost you a maximum of about £8.00/hr, however a good worker should be bringing in much more than that for your business.

Once fully trained my window cleaners earn anything between £16K - £24K PA.  If they get stopped for the weather they don't get paid, if they take a day off, they don't get paid, however if they go out and do £600 of commercial work in a day then they get paid accordingly.  It's swings and roundabouts and all my guys and me prefer it this way. 

When training they are on a basic salary of £6.00/hr until they can show they are of a speed where they can earn more on percentage, without getting any complaints from customers.  I give them a maximum time of 8 weeks to reach this level, otherwise they're gone. 

thanks lion heart i did put approx  ;D

i honestly thought paying on % was not strictly legal any more  ??? what if the % falls below the national minimum wage (which has just risen again) i think to £5.83 an hour for over 18,s  ???
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: seandyer2003 on October 21, 2008, 03:10:23 pm
We dont have traffic jams down here, if we do its a one off.

I have heard some people who pay from actually starting the first job until the end of the last job, which way do you pay ?

Only problem is you are almost promoting people working slow so they can drag work out till 5 or whenever they finish, because if they work quick they will be short of money, unless you just keep giving them more jobs?? Just wondered how you work it??

Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 09:43:58 pm
my guys are normally done by about 2.30pm - 4pm. they have a target to reach once they are, there done. i'm not greedy and they like the fact they get home at a sensible time. they are out canvassing with me at the moment earning themselves extra pennys ;) one of them earned an extra £112 for 5 hours work last week...can't be bad! ;)
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: *frank cannon on October 21, 2008, 10:06:52 pm
kev

ask yr accoutantant about setting someone or two people on a part time basis it can save you money in employers tax and ni

.
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 10:17:14 pm
my guys are normally done by about 2.30pm - 4pm. they have a target to reach once they are, there done. i'm not greedy and they like the fact they get home at a sensible time. they are out canvassing with me at the moment earning themselves extra pennys ;) one of them earned an extra £112 for 5 hours work last week...can't be bad! ;)

So Steve they canvass and work well - have you had many employees? are you worried about them taking work? do they know the prices of everything? Or do you take the view that if it happens it happens...next?

it hasn't happened yet. and i've had 6 different guys work for me. one threatened to and i told him i'd drop him were i found him (very pro of me ;)) seriously all my customers know the score. they also have each signed a disclaimer. i think a lot of it is how you choose and treat your workers. i really haven't had one issue other than the one stated
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: seandyer2003 on October 21, 2008, 10:19:24 pm
my guys are normally done by about 2.30pm - 4pm. they have a target to reach once they are, there done. i'm not greedy and they like the fact they get home at a sensible time. they are out canvassing with me at the moment earning themselves extra pennys ;) one of them earned an extra £112 for 5 hours work last week...can't be bad! ;)

So Steve they canvass and work well - have you had many employees? are you worried about them taking work? do they know the prices of everything? Or do you take the view that if it happens it happens...next?

it hasn't happened yet. and i've had 6 different guys work for me. one threatened to and i told him i'd drop him were i found him (very pro of me ;)) seriously all my customers know the score. they also have each signed a disclaimer. i think a lot of it is how you choose and treat your workers. i really haven't had one issue other than the one stated

Your employees sign disclaimer??
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 10:19:50 pm
my guys are normally done by about 2.30pm - 4pm. they have a target to reach once they are, there done. i'm not greedy and they like the fact they get home at a sensible time. they are out canvassing with me at the moment earning themselves extra pennys ;) one of them earned an extra £112 for 5 hours work last week...can't be bad! ;)

So Steve they canvass and work well - have you had many employees? are you worried about them taking work? do they know the prices of everything? Or do you take the view that if it happens it happens...next?

it hasn't happened yet. and i've had 6 different guys work for me. one threatened to and i told him i'd drop him were i found him (very pro of me ;)) seriously all my customers know the score. they also have each signed a disclaimer. i think a lot of it is how you choose and treat your workers. i really haven't had one issue other than the one stated

Your employees sign disclaimer??

yes
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: cherubs cleaning on October 21, 2008, 10:25:49 pm
I pay £7.50 an hour from when they drive off in the van until they arrive back,


SAME HERE DAVE BUT NOT £7.50PH



JERRY
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: cherubs cleaning on October 21, 2008, 10:40:35 pm
So they have to sign a disclaimer and a written contract of employment?


no



jerry
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 10:45:45 pm
my wc's have a working contract yes
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 10:52:58 pm
give me £550 and i'll give you a copy because thats what it cost me!! ;)
Title: Re: For those that employ
Post by: Steve CM on October 21, 2008, 11:49:29 pm
anytime!! ;D