Freelance Groom/Holiday help Aberdeenshire

[GLEEK]

Hi Just wanted to ask a couple of questions about offering help as a freelance groom if this is what I could offer people? Basically I can offer to help people with yard work, checking/caring horses when owners are on holiday. Not on a contract just as and when people are needing help.

What kind of insurance would I need if any? What kind of prices would you charge or do people charge for this kind of service?

I have plenty of experience. I have been around horses for 20years (god that makes me feel old!!!)

Thanks for any advice

 

[GLEEK]

Anyone able to help with my question?

 

[Miss L Toe]

Calculate your charges at the min wage per hour from time you leave home to return, this should cover travel expenses, if not then revise your charges.

 

[Dry Rot]

If you are looking after livestock while the owner is on holiday, a lot will depend on how much work is involved.

I agree with the previous poster. Maybe a minimum charge while you're there on "animal watch" (you could be studying, reading a book, etc. so not fair to charge even the basic minimum wage) with a higher rate when you're feeding, cleaning out, etc. You'd surely follow the owner around the first day or so to learn the routine anyway?

The employer ought to be credited with supplying accommodation, food (?), utilities, etc. so perhaps it is a matter of negotiation?

Judging from the poor response I've had to adverts for help here, you should be entering a buyer's market. (I imagine all the youngsters who used to like working with animals are slumped in front of the TV and scared out of their wits by E.Coli etc!).

BHS basic insurance would cover you for a lot, I would imagine, and the owners should probably have Employers' Liability (I think it might be a legal requirement). Why not have a chat with the BHS, NFU, CLA, etc.? They are only a phone call away!