au pair advice

[Zo_Hop]

Hello

I have an au pair about to start in January. She will be taking the kids to school/ nursery and will use the bus sometimes, walk somethings and other times I will be doing it. How should I reimburse travel costs as it's not regular? A monthly 1-3 travel card is ?146!

Also, is a mobile phone with ?10 per month top up card a reasonable benefit?

Thanks

Zoe

[sanity girl]

You could get her an Oyster card and just top it up with credit when needed. I don't think anyone gets monthly travel cards any more do they?

[katgod]

I'd just give cash. Ours have all had mobiles that work here - usually on giff gaff. Split out the money you give here - ?90 per week plus ?10 phone and travel or however you want to split it. Don't assiume she will want/need a mobile from you. She will need an oysetra anyway to get to town with her friends (you hope) - again no need to run 2.

[SLad]

You could open a simple bank account for her and give her a set float per month for travel (contactless) and incidentals when she's with your kids so they never go short on small things and she could pick up odd bits of shopping for you (lifesaver when you run out of bread or milk and a great way to show you trust and respect them).