Helper's annual leave

[Wee Kean]

We are planning to go back to Malaysia during CNY. I have asked my helper to take one day as annual leave (only work on Thursday and Saturday and take Friday as annual leave) She didn't want to but prefer to get paid for the 14 days of annual leave at the end of the contract.

Based on the FDH guide,

A helper shall take the paid annual leave to which he/she is entitled within the following 12 months at a time appointed by the employer after consultation with the helper, confirmed by a written notice to the helper at least 14 days in advance.

We are planning to go away during summer time for at least 2 to 3 weeks. That means, if she doesn't want to take annual leave, she doesn't need to work for that period, she will get full pay during that period and she is getting 14 days annual leave pay. I know it is not her problem because it is us that are going away. But, can I know are there any "fairer" solution?

I wonder how do other people give their helpers annual leaves?

If I do pay her the 14 days annual leave, how do you count it? Basic Salary or Total Salary (allowances etc) divided by 30 days x 14 days?

Thank you very much!

[ELT]

Wee Kean

Sounds like you have hired one of those 'smart' DH. If it is $ that she wants I guess you have no option but to pay her. But please note that it is ILLEGAL to buy day offs/annual leave (even if it is a mutual agreement) so you better be sure your DH would not use it against you if you ever come into dispute.

[Wee Kean]

Thanks ELT. I am awared of that. Will try to find a good and fair solutions that both parties happy.

Any ideas?

[geiboyi]

I think a good solution would be to find her a really tricky/messy/nasty job to do for that day (cleaning out the drip trays at the back of the fridge, regrouting the bathroom tiles, tightening up the buttons on every item of clothing you own, cleaning your pets' teeth, repotting cacti, etc) - then next time you suggest she takes a day of AL she won't be so quick to turn it down.

[Wee Kean]

Thanks Geoboyi :)

Anything else I can ask my helper to do while I am away?

The only things that I can think of are:

Wax all the furniture
Wash all the curtains
Bleach shower curtains
Clean the inside of all the cupboards in the kitchen

Please share your ideas. Thanks!

[ELT]

geiboyi, you are GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love the fridge cleaning part.

how about...

polish bottom of all woks and saucepans
clean windows
iron all linen, from shirts to underpants
reorganize panty drawers (i love the way my DH fold my panties BTW)
polish shoes
rearrange CDs in alphabetical order
clean all glassware

BTW, if you are to leave the DH at home for an extended period of time, make sure you lay down rules such as 'no visitors', 'home by xx time', etc... Also, keep your valuables away. It would also be helpful if you told her upfront that you would be calling (and have friends drop by) to check if things are ok.

[clare76]

Does your helper have family back where she comes from? If so, perhaps she just wants to have a longer period of time to spend with her family at the end of her contract?

[wwl]

you could just give her 14-day notice, she has to take it.