Hiring new domestic staff

The start of a new year is also often when new domestic staff are employed.

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Employing staff to work on your property is not a decision to be taken lightly, for many reasons, said Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communication at Fidelity ADT.

“In today’s busy world, most households need a domestic worker, be it an au pair, babysitter, house help, caregiver or gardener.

“And, very often, the desperation to get someone hired overshadows the crucial need to conduct proper background checks on these people,” Hattingh said.

“The result can be disastrous, with you perhaps discovering you have a thief or kidnapper under your roof around vulnerable family members, especially children.

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“It is ignorant to neglect to do a background check on someone you want to hire to take care of your loved ones, pets and home.”

One way is to hire staff through a reputable agency. Unfortunately, even references from family or friends are not fail-safe these days.

Ignoring screening of domestic workers leaves your family and home vulnerable.

Hattingh added if you are not going through an agency, basic steps you need to follow:

• The basic information you should get before hiring someone includes full names, nicknames, residential address, ID number or passport number, references (as many as possible and visit the previous employers in person if you can) and certified copies of all ID documents.

• Supplementary information needed includes an ID photo, family details, next of kin, medical history and police clearance certificate and criminal record check.

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“Hiring help is a two-way street. Domestic workers have a responsibility towards homeowners and their property and homeowners have a responsibility towards the safety of their workers while they are on the property,” Hattingh said.

“It is, therefore, important to consider the factors that can make this type of relationship mutually beneficial for family and worker and those that are red flags for potential problems.”

She added homeowners must equip their staff with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and those in their care.

“We all need to prioritise safety and security as a personal responsibility when it comes to domestic staff.

“This involves making sure your domestic helpers are safe while they carry out their duties and get the help they need in an emergency.”