Posted by
happychick
20 yrs ago
I’m just wondering whether other employers have had similar experiences as I have in trying to find new employment for my helper.
I have a great helper but because I will not be working anymore, I will be at home full time and do not feel the need to hire a helper anymore. After being let down by a potential employer (who was all ready to sign a contract and then decided against hiring a helper at the last minute!), my helper started approaching agencies along with a great reference I wrote for her.
In my reference I explained that we are letting my helper go due to the above circumstances, but apparently my reference letter is being “rejected” because we are not terminating her due to “financial difficulties”! In other words, the agencies want us to lie and change the reason why we are releasing her before they will accept my helper as a candidate.
This makes me really mad as the reference letter which gives a glowing report on her performance is being totally disregarded just because we did not terminate her due to “financial difficulties”. Why should we lie on the letter and what difference does it make to future employers whether a helper was released due to a change in domestic arrangements or financial difficulties?
Has anyone eles experience this before?
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I actually spoke to immigration about this and they specifically told me that this particular reason for dismissal "due to financial difficulties" had no relevance as to whether they could stay in HK until their next contract. Apparently all helpers have to return to their home country after every termination and with no exceptions. That was what I was told anyway.
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ShazP
20 yrs ago
That is true.
If terminated, then the DH has to return back for 2 weeks ( minimum) If it is an end of contract, then she can start work with a new employer immediately but has to return back home in the first year of the new contract.
It is unfair that you should state ' financial difficulties' to help her out, but I am assuming that the agencies find it easier to get the DH employed if that is the reason put down by the ex-employer breaking a contract.
Now I realise why many DH's I interviewed before had ' financial difficulty' as a reason for breaking contract. Would you be comfortable putting ' financial difficulty' as your reason?? I would not be able to do that if it was false information.
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Ed
20 yrs ago
I believe that the reason they are asking you to do this is because if she doesnt have to return to the Philippines it will make it far easier to find an employer because she can start immediately.
If you want more info please give our staff Evelyn a call - she used to work for a reputable agency (yes there are a few...) and she is very knowledgeable.
Have you tried posting your helper on our site? Most of the ladies get jobs quite quickly particularly if they have a glowing reference
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/domestichelp/
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spareribhk, I know exactly what you mean and it's the fact that the agencies wanted me to change my letter which I found weird and I just didn't feel comfortable doing it.
Surely any potential employer would find it odd interviewing say, 30 helpers, all being released for exactly the same reasons.
Thanks Ed, I will call Evelyn. I have posted on your site and that was where the potential employer found her but suddenly backed out because she decided at the last minute she wasn't going to hire anyone at all. Also because my helper thought she'd found a new contract, she cancelled all other interviews, so now she is back to square one.
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Sorry Ed, do you have a tel for Evelyn and an address where I can send my helper to talk to your staff? Thanks.
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Ed
20 yrs ago
You can call Evelyn on 2815 2520.
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Thank you TC and Ed for the information. I will give Evelyn a call.
Mrs Miggins, did you not feel dubious when the helper and employer gave different versions for the reason for termination?
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I suppose it shows how important it is to talk to the previous employer. Thanks Mrs Miggins.
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