Potentially great nanny who ignores the contract
I met Ripley a few times last year to discuss support needed for my expected new born son. She seems to have a great personality for kids and showed her rich knowledge of new born care. I also had an excellent reference of her from a previous parent. As a result, we signed a contract provided by Ripley for a part-time nanny job and I paid her a substantial deposit. Due to unexpected circumstances, that my baby was born with a severe GERD that requires medications and 24 hour care. Clearly the part-time job from Ripley will be no longer sufficient. Despite of the fact that I notified Ripley one month in advance of her starting date to cancel the job and requested the deposit back, both of which were stipulated in the contract under unforeseeable circumstances. In addition, I proposed Ripley to support us for a couple of weeks before we find a suitable full time nanny to allow her more lead time to search for an alternative family. Unfortunately, Ripley has declined to the proposal and ignored my multiple requests in writing to return the deposit.
There is a purpose for the contract in case things gone south. In this case, I am disappointed with Ripley's approach of disengaging with clients when they face challenges and blatantly ignoring the contract terms.
Response from Ripley
Responded
Hi James,
Thank you for your review.
I appreciate your kind words and the time you took to write on my profile regarding your experience with me.
We first made contact in June 2022 and signed a contract in August 2022. In section 2.6 Remuneration, it states that upon signing the contract, the employee will receive a non refundable down payment.
Throughout the 8 months of face to face meetings, video calls and back and forth messaging regarding your child’s care, we went from the agreed 25hrs per week, to 65hrs per week including 3 days of overnight cover and weekends. I became increasingly aware that this would not be the 3 month part time position I agreed to but was more than happy to accommodate for the right family as I had signed a contract which I always abide by and understand that circumstances change.
Other points I would like to touch on are being advised not to take holiday during my time with you, maternity pay not included and no interest to pay through nanny-tax as it was a short term employment and would cost you more.
11 days before our start date, I was given a few days over the agreed one weeks notice and informed that you wish to take on a full time live in nanny instead as you were struggling with your newborn. Whilst I understood that your newborn was suffering from GERD, a condition I have experience in, I found the short notice and lack of understanding and appreciation for my time and commitment to the position unprofessional.
I expressed to you I am very organised and plan in advance to have another family set up for when one is coming to an end but would now struggle to cover expenses that month, you replied with ‘To protect your position and minimize impact of my circumstances on you, there are relevant provisions in our contract and I have proposed a few more on our call. I have paid x deposit which serves as a minimal guaranteed payment to you in case there are any changing circumstances from my side with an expected new born.’ This would be less than a weeks pay to cover a minimum of 3months loss of earnings.
I wish you the best of luck in your search for a care giver and hope your newborns condition improves.
Best wishes,
Ripley
