Problems with employing someone.

Hi. Wondering if anyone can help me out?Background- I have been gardening for around 14-15yrs now, landscaping about 10.I have employed a number of friends/people that I know over recent years.I have had consistent success with only a couple of friends who work extra to their main jobs.Problems have included poor reliability and jobs not done correctly.The ideal, of course would be to employ another one of me but we all know that anyone we employ is not likely to have the same drive and enthusiasm as we as owners do!This year, due to growth and the fact that I cannot work any more hours I am hoping/planning to employ someone full time. I know about most of my legal and moral obligations.The main question is: Does anyone have any experience of hiring through an ag college/job centre? Good or bad please let me know :)Also, when working at sites at which there are no suitable facilities(toilets/trees) what is the accepted best practice to provide your employee? (I never, ever enter a clients building unless absolutely necessary)Many ThanksAndy

Andy
Let us know how you get on with this as I'll be starting 2010 in exactly the same position as yourself.
Have employed a number of people with mixed success despite all being thru recommendations.
Ideally I just need a fit lad/lass with a driving licence who has an interest in horticulture & landscaping....the rest they can pick up along the way.
Nearly all of the youngsters were late/no shows/text addicts or were simply there for the money so they had to be mothered all day.
Best success was with a family friend who works his a*se off, never grumbles, always turns up - a real marine. However, landscaping isn't his trade and only fills in when he's free so unless I can offer him regular work he's unlikely to jump ship.
I'm waiting for the Apprenticeship people to get back to me with an update but I'll try my old college too in January.
As for the latrine...all my clients are happy to provide access to a WC, otherwise it's a case of discretion or bring a bottle to work! ahem.

Replies

PRO

Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd December 31, 2009 at 7:26am

I have tried to employ college students before but without success.

As for toilets, most customers do not seem mind staff using their loos but my staff always take their boots off and leave the facilities in the same state they were found.

Having said that we have an arrangement with a local pub who have an outdoor toilet block which we are welcome to use anytime.
Richard@www.seasons-garden.co.uk December 31, 2009 at 8:35am

Andy
Let us know how you get on with this as I'll be starting 2010 in exactly the same position as yourself.
Have employed a number of people with mixed success despite all being thru recommendations.
Ideally I just need a fit lad/lass with a driving licence who has an interest in horticulture & landscaping....the rest they can pick up along the way.
Nearly all of the youngsters were late/no shows/text addicts or were simply there for the money so they had to be mothered all day.
Best success was with a family friend who works his a*se off, never grumbles, always turns up - a real marine. However, landscaping isn't his trade and only fills in when he's free so unless I can offer him regular work he's unlikely to jump ship.
I'm waiting for the Apprenticeship people to get back to me with an update but I'll try my old college too in January.
As for the latrine...all my clients are happy to provide access to a WC, otherwise it's a case of discretion or bring a bottle to work! ahem.
Graeme @ BGS December 31, 2009 at 10:25am

Found the job centre to be very good - in 2006 I took on 5 staff members via this route - all done via Email. Once you have an account with their Employer Direct system all you do is fill in a vacancy stencil form and the position is listed on their web site (http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/index.html) and local branches.

I found that you have to be careful who you accept for interviews as quite a few will apply just to comply with the rules for keeping their benefits!

Got mixed results for temp (summer staff) from the local Ag college - most wanted to spend more time filling in their daily log book and getting it signed off than working!
Graeme @ BGS January 1, 2010 at 11:16am

Spot on Steven
Lawncare-4u.co.uk January 2, 2010 at 7:58pm

u have to:

be on time urself
work your-self
train them how
be as strict but firm/friendly attitude.

look after staff and they will look after you
pay on time or early if they need daily - they will always come to you for work / if casual

tell them to bring lunch/food /tea/juice and come to your house/yard on time.

dont let them break machinery or do jobs un-trained .

keep them busy if no work / tidying and flyering etc