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Domestic workers

Domestic worker preparing food

What to expect

This page explains what you can expect from your stay in the United Kingdom as a domestic worker.

As a domestic worker you provide a personal service linked to the running of your employer's household. Domestic workers include chauffeurs, gardeners, cooks and nannies.

Changing jobs

If you want to move to another job after you have arrived in the United Kingdom you will be allowed to do this as long as the work is similar in skill to your original job.

If you change your employer after you have entered the United Kingdom you must write to us and tell us:

  • your name and date of birth as in your passport;
  • where and when you got your original entry clearance;
  • details of your original and new employer;
  • the reason why you have changed employment.

You do not need to make a formal application until you need to apply to extend your stay.

If you have been working in the United Kingdom for more than five years and have been given permission to stay permanently (indefinite leave to remain) you can take any job without our permission.

If your employer leaves the United Kingdom

If you came to the United Kingdom with your employer on a visit you are expected to leave the United Kingdom when they return home. If you stay in the United Kingdom after your employer has left you will not be entitled to work unless a member of your employers close family is also visiting and wants you to work for him/her. You must leave the United Kingdom when your permission to stay ends.

If your employer is living in the United Kingdom and takes trips abroad you do not need to go with him/her as long as they are still based in the United Kingdom and intend to return.

If your employer leaves the United Kingdom permanently you are expected to leave with them. If you stay in the United Kingdom after your employer has left you must leave when your permission to stay ends.

Employment rights

You and your employer should already have agreed the conditions of your employment. You should have a copy of the conditions.

Your employer cannot change the conditions of your employment unless you agree. You must:

  • be paid the agreed rate, this must be at least the National Minimum Wage; and
  • not be forced to work excessive hours; and
  • be given agreed holiday pay; and
  • be given the notice you are entitled to if your employment ends.

If your employer does not meet the requirements above you should be able to take legal action through an employment or industrial tribunal or the civil courts.

Healthcare

While you are living and working in the United Kingdom you are entitled to free healthcare. You will need to register with a local doctor to receive treatment.

Public funds

As a domestic worker you will be expected to be able to support yourself during your time in the United Kingdom without claiming state benefits. We call this having no access to public funds. Details of exactly what public fund are can be found in the residency section of this website.

Advice and support

Kalayaan can provide free, confidential and independent advice to domestic workers in the United Kingdom. Kalayaan is not part of the Home Office.

Kalayaan
St Francis of Assisi Community Centre
13 Hippodrome Place
London W11 4SF

Phone: 020 7243 2942
Fax: 020 7792 3060

Email: info@kalayaan.org.uk
Website: www.kalayaan.org.uk

You should contact Kalayaan directly for details of opening times.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can my employer keep my passport?

    Your passport is proof that you have permission to stay in the United Kingdom. It is an important document and you should keep it in a safe place. Your employer should not keep it for you. If your employer is keeping your passport without your permission and refuses to return it, you should report this to the police and your embassy.

  • Can I re-enter the United Kingdom if I travel abroad?

    You can normally re-enter the United Kingdom to complete your stay if you can show that you are still employed as a domestic worker in a private household. It is a good idea to have a letter from your employer saying that they will continue to employ you when you return.

  • Will the law protect me if a crime is committed against me?

    Everybody in the United Kingdom has the full protection of the criminal law, whatever their nationality or conditions of stay. There are strict laws in the United Kingdom against assault. For example, it is against the law for someone to keep you locked in the house against your will, sexually harass you or have sex with you without your consent, or behave violently towards you.

    If anyone assaults you, you should report this to the police. You can find their address and telephone number in the telephone book under 'Police' or by phoning directory enquiries (118 500). In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police. They will help you.

    If you do not feel able to contact the police directly, you can get confidential support and advice from Kalayaan.

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