To have a live-in butler means to have a more stress-free, well organised, and much more catered for life. A live-in butler can be a great solution if you need someone nearby. Someone who can perhaps be more flexible in their working hours. And to have someone at hand at a moment’s notice. But are you fully prepared for having a butler living in your house? It is also very important to know what the set-up should be. Do you know what you should, and don’t have to, provide for your butler? Find out here!
So how to prepare for having a live in Butler?
Why a Live in Butler?
There can be many benefits to having a live in butler in your house. It can eliminate a lot of issues that may arise from having a butler who needs to commute to you, on a daily basis. So the first big issue that you take away is travel time. Your butler will not get stuck in traffic on their way to you. All they have to do is get up and get ready for their days of work! This can also mean that the butler will be able to be a bit more flexible with their working hours. Considering there is no commute, working a bit of overtime every now and then might be more doable at times.
Another great benefit can be that the live in butler can almost become a part of the family. Especially if you have children, this might be a nice added benefit. The butler might not be able to do all childcare duties, but might well be able to help out. Just make sure that if your butler will be working with or around children, that they have an up to date DBS.
How to prepare the house – bedroom
When you prepare for having a live in butler, the living arrangements are crucial to get right. You need to make sure to provide a suitable bedroom and living space for them. The butler will likely be living in your house full time. Therefore you need to make sure privacy is ensured for both you and your butler. As a minimum, the butler should have their own bedroom. Therefore make sure you have a spare room in the house that can be turned into a suitable bedroom.
You should also think about where the bedroom is located. Of course, this will depend on the availability you have and the size of your home. But where possible, could you separate the sleeping area of the family, and that of the butler? Perhaps on different floors or different areas of the house altogether. This way you can separate evening routines and give the housekeeper, and yourself, private time too.
There are certain things the bedroom should have as a minimum. Think of a window that can open properly and give enough light (and curtains!), a bed, closet and maybe a table or chair. If possible, make sure the live in butler has their own en-suite or own bathroom to use near the bedroom. This way you will not have to share a bathroom which makes things handier for the whole household. Where possible, families can also provide a kitchen area. Again, this also ensures privacy. And it also gives the butler the chance to have their own life independently, preparing food and having meals themselves, too.
Will a live in Butler work any day, any time?
A commonly asked question regarding a live in butler. Some assume that, because the person lives in the house full time, they can also work full time. Or, work at any given time on any day, simply because they are in the house. This, however, is a common big big misconception. A butler is an employee and therefore has employment rights. Regardless from where they live!
Under UK law everyone is allowed at least one 20 minute break if they work more than 6 hours per day. This break does not have to be paid. Workers also have the right to 11 hours rest between work shifts. Finally, they also have the right to have an uninterrupted 24 hour period of rest every week. You can read more about it on the UK Government website.
To summarise, this means that although your butler lives in your house, they are allowed breaks and time off just like any other worker would. Keep this in mind when preparing for a live in butler and have a schedule so that all tasks are clear, as well as breaks.
Payment and Employment
Another important factor to consider and prepare is salary and employment. If you are hiring an employee, which your live in butler will be, the right agreement needs to be in place. Read our handy guide on how much you should pay your live in butler.
If you are not sure about salaries, this great website can help you further too in salary calculations. Finally, reading on this government website about employment might help too.
How can Polo & Tweed help?
Are you ready for a live in butler, or would you like to find out more? We are here to help! Polo & Tweed have a very extensive database of excellent butlers, all over the world. Our experienced consultants will be able to advise you and help you find exactly who you are looking for. Why not get in touch with us here to talk with one of our recruitment consultants, and get the search for your new live in butler started today.