An ordinary parent paying a babysitter can presumably avoid registering for PAYE on the basis that they'll never pay anyone over the lower earnings limit. But what about if that parent also had a nanny and therefore their own PAYE scheme? Technically that would mean that every time they arranged a babysitter, unless paid via an agency, they'd have to get a P45/P46, issue a payslip, and potentially deduct income tax and (probably fairly unlikely) NI as well?
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Not an employee
I would have thought a babysitter would fail the employment mutuality-of-obligation test, and therefore not be an employee.
Self-employed child-minders
So are you saying there is no such thing as a self-employed child-minder? Once they have taken responsibility for children, they are obliged to fulfill that responsibility until the children are collected. How is an ad hoc arrangement for a baby-sitter different from this.
So many self-employments don't work?
On that basis, a lot of self-employments don't work. Many take place on client premises. Many will involve some control over the hours worked (due to requirement to work in office hours, or with certain employees). If I hire a caterer for a party, does who also does the serving themselves, does the fact they have to be there for the duration of the party make them a temporary employee? Is WHERE they look after the little darlings.
EDIT : Your link actually acknowledges careworkers visiting the home can be self-employed by the way.
I don' t think there is mutuality of obligation
You have no obligation to offer him/her work; (s)he has no obligation to accept work. Therefore not an employee.
Good point on the absence of control though; might fail that test too!