Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Remember also that au pair agencies operating in the UK and sending au pairs abroad can-
not, except under specified circumstances, charge for finding you a placement.
If you have a complaint against a UK agency it's best to take it up with the Department
for Business, Innovation and Skills' Employment Agency Standards Helpline, Tel: +44 (0)
845 955 5105. It operates Monday-Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Au pairing in Europe
There are EU laws governing the conditions in which au pairs can work:
•
You must be 17 or over.
•
You must provide a current medical certificate.
•
You should have a written employment agreement signed by you and your host
family; conditions of employment must be stated clearly.
•
You should receive (tax exempt) pocket money.
•
You should have enough free time to study.
•
You should not be asked to work more than five hours a day.
•
You must have one free day a week.
This is now the accepted definition for au pair jobs in the EU, but not necessarily in other
countries. Some countries have different local rules.
Take a look at
www.conventions.coe.int/treaty/en/Treaties/Html/068.htm
for the details
of the European Agreement and any local variations.
It's important to complete all the necessary paperwork for living and working in another
country. Most agencies will organise this for you, and make sure the legal documents are in
order before you leave. You should listen to any legal advice you are given by the agency
you use. Many also now require written references, police checks and other proof of suit-
ability - which is as much a protection for you as it is for the parents of the children you
might look after.
Here's an example. Most French agencies require a set of passport photos, a photocopy of
your passport, two references (preferably translated into French), and your most recent aca-
demic qualifications, as well as a handwritten letter in French to your prospective family,
which tells them something about you, your reasons for becoming an au pair and any future
aspirations.
