Are you considering hiring an au pair in London but unsure about how much to pay them? It’s important to know that au pair wages vary depending on several factors, including experience, duties, and length of stay. In this article, we’ll break down the different factors that affect au pair wages in London and provide you with a clear estimate on what you can expect to pay.
Factors That Affect Au Pair Wages
There are several factors that affect how much you should pay your au pair:
- Experience: Au pairs with more experience tend to command higher wages. If your au pair has previously worked as an au pair or nanny, they may expect a higher wage.
- Duties: The more duties your au pair has, the higher their wage should be.
For example, if your au pair is responsible for childcare as well as light housekeeping and meal preparation, they should be paid more than an au pair who only looks after the children.
- Length of stay: The longer your au pair stays with you, the lower their weekly wage should be. This is because they will have fewer expenses and will be able to save money over time.
Average Au Pair Wages in London
According to the British Au Pair Agencies Association (BAPAA), the average weekly wage for an au pair in London is between £70-£85 per week. This is based on a maximum of 25 hours of work per week and includes room and board.
However, it’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate and doesn’t take into account the above-mentioned factors that can affect wages. It’s always best to negotiate with your potential au pair and come up with a salary that works for both parties.
National Minimum Wage and the Au Pair Program
It’s also important to note that au pairs are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the UK. This is because they are considered part of a cultural exchange program and not employees.
However, it’s still important to pay your au pair a fair wage that covers their expenses and provides them with some spending money. Remember that your au pair is there to help you and your family, so it’s important to treat them well and compensate them fairly for their time and effort.
In Conclusion
When it comes to determining how much to pay your au pair in London, there are several factors to consider. It’s important to take into account their experience, duties, and length of stay when negotiating a salary.
While the BAPAA estimates the average weekly wage for an au pair in London to be between £70-£85 per week, it’s always best to negotiate with your potential au pair and come up with a salary that works for both parties. Remember that while au pairs are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage, it’s still important to compensate them fairly for their time and effort.