Need to change helpers but how?

We have had our helper for a year now. Underneath she is ok but over the year has become lazy, un motivated etc etc. There have been many instances that I dont want to go into where I know I should have just got rid of her but unfortunately I find it very difficult to confront anyone. 2 months ago she was told to pull her socks up in all aspects by my husband and for the first month she was great. Gradually though as I expected it would things have gone down hill. Ok so we can tell her again but it will happen again. We are not slave drivers in fact many say we are too easy but I have got to the point where I feel it better to start afresh. Now how can I do this , I wish her no ill but just do not want her working for us anymore, I need to have someone who at least pretends to like the family, who will listen to the things I ask her and who I can trust 100%. Please advise me on the best way to move forward.

Thank you.

Those reasons only apply if you are sacking without a months notice. We have given notice to two domestic helpers with a months notice, although we still gave a valid reason in each case.

The first one was originally to be by "mutual agreement" as she was older and found a new baby in the house too demanding. It became a bit of a nightmare when she didn't like having to work for a month. We had a huge falling out and basically ended up stating we simply didn't get along.


The second is due to difficulty in communication, it's early in the contract and she hasn't worked with an English speaking family before (she speaks Cantonese). It's pretty straight forward as I can't leave the children in her care as she often doesn't understand my instructions.


With the first we didn't need to give her time for interviews as she didn't need it, the second is currently doing her months notice. She is lovely and a very hard worker, she knows she can go for an interview at anytime. I really want her to find a job as she has an excellent employment history in Hong Kong and this really in a "no fault" situation.

Thank you all for your replies. I just cannot shake the feelings of guilt even though I know to terminate her is the best decision for the family. I pulled out her guide lines today and was shocked at how many things are not done. Also the 3 + hours tv in the afternoons is just too much to bear.

suze,

if you'd like to have a helper i can reccomend one to you.....