Contractor Engagement and Payment Policy – Polly Housekeeping

Contractor Engagement and Payment Policy – Polly Housekeeping

Last Updated: 30.08.25

Introduction

This policy outlines the engagement terms and payment structure for self-employed housekeepers working with Polly Housekeeping. All housekeepers are independent contractors and are responsible for managing their own tax, National Insurance, and business affairs in accordance with UK law. Our aim is to maintain professional, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships.

Pay Structure

Housekeepers are paid for completed and approved work. Pay rates may vary depending on the job, housekeeper experience, and optional DBS verification. Housekeepers are free to accept or decline any offered work.

Payments are facilitated via Stripe Connect and are transferred directly to the housekeeper’s connected account once a job is confirmed. Polly Housekeeping does not control the timing of payments.

A summary of completed hours can be provided upon request. Each contractor is responsible for managing and reporting their own income to HMRC.

Working Hours

Work is offered based on client requirements. If a proposed job does not suit the housekeeper’s schedule, they are under no obligation to accept it. Housekeepers are responsible for managing their own working hours and coordinating their schedule around the opportunities presented.

Travel time and breaks are not paid, as engagements are based solely on hours spent cleaning at client properties.

Substitutions

Housekeepers may nominate a qualified substitute from the Polly network to complete a job on their behalf. It is the housekeeper’s responsibility to notify Polly and the client promptly.

Time Off and Flexibility

Housekeepers are free to take time off as they choose. We request advance notice when possible so that alternative arrangements can be made for clients.

Sick Leave

There is no entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay. If a housekeeper is unable to attend a scheduled clean due to illness or emergency, they must notify Polly Housekeeping as early as possible.

DBS Certificates

All housekeepers featured on the Polly Housekeeping platform must hold a valid DBS certificate. This is a requirement to ensure the safety and security of clients and their homes.

Housekeepers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own DBS certificate. Polly Housekeeping may offer guidance on how to obtain a DBS or provide an optional service to facilitate the process, but it remains the contractor’s responsibility.

Housekeepers without a valid DBS certificate cannot be listed or matched with clients through the Polly platform.

Tax and National Insurance

All housekeepers are responsible for their own Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. Polly Housekeeping does not make deductions and does not issue payslips.

Professional Appearance

We encourage all housekeepers to present themselves professionally at each booking, as they are representing the Polly Housekeeping brand. Branded materials or clothing can be purchased upon request.

Support and Training

Although housekeepers are responsible for their own development, we may offer optional guidance or resources to support service quality. Attendance at such training is voluntary and unpaid unless otherwise agreed.

Performance and Client Feedback

We monitor client feedback to maintain service standards. Continued work with Polly Housekeeping depends on reliability, professionalism, and maintaining a high level of client satisfaction.

Notice and Ending Engagements

Housekeepers are free to stop working with Polly Housekeeping at any time. We appreciate advance notice where possible to ensure a smooth transition for clients. Likewise, Polly Housekeeping may stop offering work at any time, with or without notice.

Concerns and Communication

Housekeepers with concerns about their engagement, payments, or bookings are encouraged to raise them directly with our management team. We will aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly.

Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed. Any significant changes will be communicated directly.

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Modern Slavery Statement.

Contact Information

For questions about this policy or employment matters, please contact our team at hello@pollyhouskeeping.com