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Casual labourers

Just a quick enquiry as to how you all go about dealing with casual labourers. My business is growing and the work load is getting to the point at which I need another pair of hands or two. I cannot guarantee the work as yet so don't want a full time employee. I have used one or two lads in the past with mixed success. How do you go about finding a casual labourer that is half decent and is willing to work just as and when I need them for the time being? All bieng well, I would end up taking them in full time so it would be with the potential for a proper job. Also, how much is reasonable to pay? I think I was over paying in the past.Thanks

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  • i was there some time ago i have take on some one but i have not guaranteed there hours . but there has been very few weeks that we not worked full time when the weather allows 

  • PRO
    It's difficult you may want to find a semi retired person who's still fit.
    Or a young person just out of or part time at college.
    Most people need the full time hours I'm in the same position needing help but struggling to find someone to work part time to start with.

    How much were you paying to be overpaying them?
  • PRO

    Are you going to be paying them as self employed? What area do you live in? £80-£120 a day maybe depending on location and if they are paying their own tax etc. Will be tricky but post up on Friday ads/gumtree or put up some posters in local places that will get seen (local shop/cafe/pub)

    • PRO
      I employed a young lad just out of university this summer, he was on the books but was of the understanding from the outsett if work tailed off for whatever reason he only earns when he works.
      I paid unskilled unqualified £7.50per hour he also got 2 days holiday per month worked.
      I am struggling to find qualified or skilled staff to work full time 40 hours per week.
  • In exactly the same boat here, need to employ a helping hand for 1-2 days a week but needs to be casual as cannot afford to cover pensions etc.

    I'm thinking along school leaver lines paying £8-10 ph.

    Let us know how you get on.

    • PRO
      You won't need the pension on 2 days a week as it starts at £10k I think
      • Thanks Richard, that's a weight off I'll look into that.
  • Hi Sam, I use young unskilled lads at £60 p/day. They enjoy the work and the responsibility I give them. Insist that they go self employed and invoice you each week for a bank transfer. Just don't forget that you will need Employer's Liability Insurance even if they are self employed.

    The boys know that some days there won't be work and on other occasions there will be full weeks. I make sure I listen to their ideas and value their opinions on the job, it keeps them interested. Also I offer simple incentives like breakfast and beer on a Friday after work to make sure everyone's pulling in the right direction!

  • Thanks for all the replies. I will try and go down the unskilled but self employed route. I don't need the hassle of tax and NI for now. Once things get busier I can trajectory step up to permanent staff. I like the idea of a school leaver. How do you find the lads in the first place? I tried a local Facebook group but replies were thin on the ground.
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