Au Pair

Stretch1432

We are thinking of getting an au pair to mind our two babies . They will be working 4.5 days of the week. They will be doing the usual jobs changing nappies feeding playing etc...

We are thinking of paying them 220 euro a week and they will be fed and be living with us . Is this legal as its a cultural exchange . I know you are meant to pay them minimum wage but that works out at over 500 euro a month and wouldnt be worth it .

My question is would you get in trouble if you didnt pay them the minimum wage?

The answer to your question is no, it would not be legal. There is no "cultural exchange" programme for au-pairs in Ireland. As well as paying minimum wage, the max you can deduct from someone's pay for room and board is also set out in legislation. Au-pairs are classed as domestic employees, and if you do underpay them, you'll be taking a serious risk of ending up before the WRC.

https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/employment_types/domestic-workers/

Sample case below.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30724267.html

spuddy

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but does anyone get au-pairs anymore? The obligations with becoming an employer, deducting taxes etc seem over the top for couple of working parents to try to organise. It doesn't seem worth the hassle?

bryanpmurphy30

Have been managing fine for last 3 years with different Au-pairs from Spain and Germany. 200 is going rate, draw up a contract and agree at outset what terms are. Sometimes with an english langauge course thrown in. You can go through an agency but that can add to the expense with very little in return. Would recommend the following to get a feel for contracts and options https://www.aupairworld.com/en

Tow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122508834#Comment_122508834

How do you manage your payroll returns to Revenue?

spuddy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122508834#Comment_122508834

How many hours a week does that cover?

CGK2022

Hi, just looking at this option now is that 200 a week ? And what hours wouldthat cover.

Thanks

CGK2022

Did you go this route ? Looking at the options now but don't know where to start.

Stretch1432

Have an au pair costs us 200 a week that includes food accommodation. We also made a contract with a few rules so we both know what to expect. Some weekends we bring her on trips but most weekends she does her own thing . Hope that helps.