URGENT advice please - problems with new hire

Hi all


Got a problem here and would appreciate some advice. We've been searching for a full-time helper ever since I started my maternity leave - I went back to full-time work when the baby was 2 and a half months old, and now he's nearly 5 months. I have personally interviewed no fewer than 60 applicants, and they all fell under one of these categories:


1. Didn't really want to look after babies: most of these would tell me over the phone and during the interview how much they loved babies, how many years they've taken care of babies - but as soon as they managed to find an alternative employer with no babies, they would always go for the other employer, even for much less pay (I was going to sign a contract with one of these on a Monday, and then she stopped answering her phone - until I called her from a different number on the Friday. Then she cooly told me that she had "signed with someone else already")


2. Didn't actually have any experience looking after babies


3. Was an incompetent helper: I hired one of these just over a month ago, and had no choice but to fire her, after I found her cleaning the inside of the baby's bottles with her fingers, right after she's handled some defrosting shellfish (amongst other things). I really really didn't want to fire her, since I haven't had a full night's sleep for 5 months now (and counting), and I can really do with some help during the night and over the weekend, especially after a very difficult pregnancy.


I have signed a contract with a new helper earlier this week, and just as I allowed myself to believe that the search is finally over, I got a call from this helper's current employer last night, telling me that the helper had a complete change of attitude this week (ie after I've signed a contract with her). This helper has been looking after this employer's twin babies for the past two years since they were born, and have always been good with them (I got a glowing review from the employer during our last conversation). But apparently she started ignoring the twins' cries and would just blank them and walk off whenever the twins needed her, even when the twins were brought right in front of her.


So my question is: should I just let her go now before she even starts? Bearing in mind that the current employer didn't have a single bad thing to say about her just two weeks ago (even though the helper resigned), I don't think the employer had made the story up out of vindictiveness. And my conclusion for now is that she is just not a good person, as whatever ill feelings she might have towards her current employer, she should never have taken it out on the babies.


Please advise, as she is supposed to move into out flat this Sunday!

Previous employers' claims should sometimes be taken with a pinch of salt. Do you know the employer personally? Also ask the helper about it. There are always two sides to every story.


If you really don't feel comfortable, don't hire her, but give her a chance to explain first.


Perhaps you should hire a helper hire consultant to help you. Here's a good one: Rehana Sheikh - 9105 0593.

Yes, I do realise there are always two sides to every story. The tricky part here is that I decided not to confront her with the story as she is still living in her current employer's house, and I would never do anything to put the wellbeing of those little ones at risk (in case I upset her by questioning her about it). By the time I get a chance to ask her about it, she would have moved in with us already....

This is exactly how some people (incl me in the past) get stuck with an unsuitable helper. Under pressure to hire it's really tough to hold out for a good DH.


If I were you, I'd ask the helper in question about her employer's claims immediately (considering she's due to move in on Sunday). I don't think that's putting the twins at risk. And if you don't ask, it could be your little one on the receiving end of her moods. And if you are in any doubt, don't hire her.


As regards recruiting, have you tried ACJ agency?


When I interview a whole bunch of DH, e.g. in an agency on a Sunday, in order to avoid doing 'wasting' time on unsuitable applicants, I do a round of 'deselection' first. I talk to each one for literally 1-2 min & no more, if they seem to be incompetent, poor English, unwilling to work the hours I need / can't start when I need, then they are 'deselected' and I only properly interview the remaining ones. I find this method helps me avoid having to interview huge numbers of helpers.


Another thing is to organise your interview questions in order so that you'll be able to identify the unsuitable applicants asap (& then discontinue the interview immediately).


Anyway, see if things can be worked out with this one you've already chosen first. But if it doesn't feel right, go with your instincts and find sb else. Good luck!

I'll +1 that recommendation for ACJ. An excellent agency.