Best way to fire a helper

Okay, I guess "You're fired" does it. But I've heard so many horror stories of employers having to fork over thousands of dollars.

1. She is still on probation.

2. She owes me money but naturually I don't have written proof of this.


How much notice must I give her, and how much will it cost me to be rid of her?

Re: money owing. When our helper resigned because a sacking was imminent, she owed us money too. Not a great deal, mind you, but she paid it back. I suspect that she thought I may report her to Immigration if she didn't. Who knows? Cant quite find the link for you of the DH Handbook (Labour Dept) but it isnt an incredibly complicated process. Surely easier than putting up with what you are enduring with your helper. All the best.

To fire:

Write a letter outlining that their contract is terminated for reasons specified.


That you give pay in lieu of notice - how much it is , money for 1/2 a plane ticket home (or the plane ticket) any outstanding days owed etc etc - count the money given to them, have them sign 3 copies of the letter, and you sign three copies of the letter.


Re the money owed - before you giver her notice tell her you would like to get things set out re the money owed - agree on the amount write a letter stating that she owes you this much money, have her sign it before you give notice. This way you have the amount in writing with her signature - on her letter of termination you can deduct this amount from the amount you owe her.


Write a seperate letter of termination for her to give to the immigration dept, and future employers (this is different to the first letter above) you keep a copy and both sign it. You need to notify the ID asap as she has 14 days to leave the country. can do it by faxing the 2nd termination letter.


Clear as mud and hopefully you will be able to retrieve all your money and terminate without too much hassle.


Just record everything - everytime you give a maid money you must make them sign for it and the conditions upon which it is given - keep these records in a safe place - also whenever you ask them to work on a public holiday and that you have given them money in lieu or a day off - otherwise they will record (remember) everything and you will cop it whether you deserve it or not. A friend of mine ended up having to pay about $15,000 HKD to get out of a situation that the maid made up on being terminated - my friend didn't have the documents to prove she was in the right - but the maid fabricated some...record everything with both signatures!!


The

Thanks for that it was really a great help. Now I just have to get over the personal angst.