Taking on first employee

[WallaceP]

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Hi, Just looking to see if anyone has any advice on taking on a first employee. I have been happily working alone but just need an extra pair of hands a bit more often than i can pull people of their own work to help me. any advice gratefully recieved.
Thanks

 

[James]

Don't do it!!!!

nobody will give the attention to work the same level of importance as yourself.
I am half joking but half serious, people are a pain in the rear.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Are you talking an apprentice just to make the brews and pass you tools Or a sparks you can actually leave on a job for a week while you go off doing other jobs ?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Don't do it!!!!

nobody will give the attention to work the same level of importance as yourself.
I am half joking but half serious, people are a pain in the rear.

I tend to agree James, Pre Covid when I was rushing around like a loon trying to do 7 days work in 5 , I tried using a labourer and a sparky mate, both added very little value and I was still rushing around and now having to pay someone as well.
When Covdi hit and we came back from the 1st lockdown I made the decision to cut my work load, price higher, only do the jobs I can do in a 4 day week. Been much much happier since

 

[pirate]

Don't do it! If you need an extra pair of hands, get someone in as a freelance. If they are good, hold onto them on an "as required" basis. Get them to invoice you for their hours, pay them, and that's that. If they are rubbish, just don't call them again. As soon as you officially employ someone you are into the realms of PAYE, employment contract, NI payments, holiday pay etc etc. Just not worth the hassle.
Also, and I have said this on here many times, try to find a fit (ish) retired person who can fit in with unusual and irregular hours who just wants occasional work. They will work harder, be more flexible, not be on their phones all day and will be happy to work an extra hour or two to see a job finished instead of insisting on stopping at 4pm on the dot.

 

[WallaceP]

I appreciate the advice, I am currently at the limit of what I can ask others to do for me. I am even having to get lower skilled electricians in to help, 2 of which were just awful yet wanted the most money. I have put prices up, being picky with jobs I do but my core customers all want a lot done at the moment, with a few 1-2 year jobs which I do not want to lose out on.
I get its a gamble and no one will care as much as I do. I was thinking of taking on an electricians mate with the thought of an adult apprenticeship in the future if it works out well. I think this would be better than a straight out of school apprentice.

 

[rewireIT]

I appreciate the advice, I am currently at the limit of what I can ask others to do for me. I am even having to get lower skilled electricians in to help, 2 of which were just awful yet wanted the most money. I have put prices up, being picky with jobs I do but my core customers all want a lot done at the moment, with a few 1-2 year jobs which I do not want to lose out on.
I get its a gamble and no one will care as much as I do. I was thinking of taking on an electricians mate with the thought of an adult apprenticeship in the future if it works out well. I think this would be better than a straight out of school apprentice.

Where are you? I know some good lads i could put your way depending on location.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I appreciate the advice, I am currently at the limit of what I can ask others to do for me. I am even having to get lower skilled electricians in to help, 2 of which were just awful yet wanted the most money. I have put prices up, being picky with jobs I do but my core customers all want a lot done at the moment, with a few 1-2 year jobs which I do not want to lose out on.
I get its a gamble and no one will care as much as I do. I was thinking of taking on an electricians mate with the thought of an adult apprenticeship in the future if it works out well. I think this would be better than a straight out of school apprentice.

You might be better subbing the long job(s) out to a sparks on a day rate if its a 1 year project. Someone you can just send to the job and leave to get on with it, you just deliver the materials and they do the day labour. If they aren't needed for a few weeks they can go off and come back.
I have never had any luck with apprentices, yes they have been nice enough blokes but didn't actually make my life easier. none of them were interested in being a sparks.