Helper wants Leave, PLEASE HELP

Posted by tko (223 days ago)

Hello.

My helper just gave me notice that she wants to take her 7 days of leave in the first week of March. Being a working mom, this is too short of notice for myself and my family. She says it's an urgent matter and that she has spoken to her mother. No other information has been provided.
Although, I do know (from one of her 'friends') that she filed for a two year seperation a little while back.
Anyway, my point is she I let her go? What do I with my child? How do I find a temp helper? How do I know she'll come back? If I give her salary in lieu of one month's notice, can I let her know when she is back in her home country and just mail her things to her?

Please help as my time and finances are limited.
Thanks!!

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Posted by aemom (223 days ago)

If it is not convenient for you to let her go at that time, negotiate a time that is convenient for you and acceptable to her. Very few employees can dictate to their employers when they will be taking holidays.

If she insists on going at that time, you'll need to think about whether you want to continue to employ her. It's best to do this before she leaves, rather than after.

You are worried that she won't come back. Has she given some indication of this? Sounds like you don't trust her.

I think it's best to sit down with her and talk the situation through, addressing each issue you mention in your post

Posted by evildeeds (223 days ago)

I am confused. The helper gives over a months notice of when she would like to take her annual leave, which is pretty good to be honest. Despite what was said above MOST employees do choose the time they take off, especially expats and especially when they are booking flights back home.

The question is, how would you expect to deal with her annual leave anyway? Would you expect her to take it when you take yours? Is this written into the contract? How would you know she would come back then anyway?

To even contemplate this as being a situation that is worthy of termination is diabolical. Fire someone for taking a holiday? Or because they choose when they will take it? Remember you are an employer and you have obligations that you must take care of, regardless of your home situation. Think of how you would view it as an employee at your own company.

Posted by tko (223 days ago)

EVILDEEDS: Please read more clearly. I NEVER stated why I was letting her go so don't pu assumptions into my mouth.

Anyhow, I've resolved the situation by deciding to let her go because of her performance and lack of attention to my child's needs. I was just going to wait until the end of her contract, but since she needs to leave I'll just do it a bit earlier.

Also, I've found a new DH. Her contract ends this week, but her visa ends in March. Is it possible to hire her directly? Who do I contact in the HKG Immigartion and Phil Consulate?

Thanks.

Posted by cara (223 days ago)

i'm sure the new helper will know jhow to go about the switch-over.

Posted by kjshek (223 days ago)

hello tko,

I just send u a message.

Posted by evildeeds (222 days ago)

Er tko, I wasn't putting words into your mouth. You were the one who said about giving a months salary in lieu when she was back and mailing stuff to her. You were not clear whether this is because she leaves you or you fire her, so please write more clearly if you do not wish to be misunderstood.

Posted by hkwatcher (221 days ago)

tko
I agree your replacement helper will be able to take care of all the paperwork for you , however, you may have a delay with the IMD and the renewal of the new helper's visa. She may be required to leave HK before they will issue her a new visa. You will be in the same problem of having no helper as if your first helper went on leave. The good thing is this is about the time of the Easter holidays. You ought to ask for some time off now for the "just in case" plan B.

Posted by adele78 (217 days ago)

Would it be possible to hire a local for the period between DH's?