1. When you hire someone privately, you become “the employer”
This isn't always obvious, but it is extremely important.
If you hire a private carer — even a neighbour, friend-of-a-friend or someone advertising online — you are legally responsible for:
- Holiday pay
- Sick pay
- Pension contributions
- National Insurance
- Payroll & payslips
- Contracts
- Disciplinary processes
- Liability insurance
- Health & safety responsibilities
- Risk assessments
- Cover when the carer is ill or on holiday
This is a significant legal commitment.
2. You are also responsible for safer recruitment checks
You must conduct:
- PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) checks
- Reference checks
- Identity verification
- Work history checks
- Right-to-work checks
If something goes wrong and you didn't do these checks properly, you may be held responsible.
3. What happens when your private carer is sick or takes a holiday?
Most families don't consider this at the beginning.
You would need to:
- Find a replacement
- Vet them
- Check their PVG
- Organise emergency cover
- Manage payroll changes
This can be overwhelming and risky.
With a managed provider like us, all cover is organised for you.
4. Lack of supervision and training
When you hire privately, you must also ensure the carer is:
- Properly trained
- Safe to use equipment
- Up to date with moving & handling
- Competent with medications
- Following infection control guidance
Most families simply don't have the time or expertise to manage this.
At Quality Care Scotland, we supervise, train and continually support our team.
5. No back-up, no oversight, no safety net
If something goes wrong:
- Who can you complain to?
- Who supervises the carer?
- Who handles safeguarding?
- Who ensures the care is safe?
- Who monitors quality?
When you privately employ someone — you become all of those people.
6. When private hire works well
Private employment can work when:
- Care needs are extremely low
- Visits are infrequent
- You're comfortable managing all legal obligations
- You already have employer experience
- You have backup carers
But for most families, a managed service is far safer.
7. Why most families choose a managed service
- Peace of mind
- Consistency
- Safety
- Professional supervision
- No legal or employment responsibilities
- No cover stress
- Fully vetted carers
Managed care means everything is taken care of — so you can focus on your loved one.