Finding Staff

Word of mouth appears to be the main means of finding staff, although, in theory, embassies and UN agencies keep lists of people who have been recommended by departing ex-pats.  Prospective employees often present references – you may want to check out the most recent by phone or e-mail. 

 

You can also email via LESA group mail (unfijilesa@googlegroups.com) or post on facebook/UN FIJI LESA or Suva expats Groups to request recommendations, as there may be several people that would be able to provide up-to-date reference with immediate availability.  It is not advised that you allow anyone in your home unattended, references are essential.

 

Be wary of renting a house where home help is provided by the landlord, as there’s nothing you can do if you don’t get on with the person provided or are not happy with their work.

 

When you take someone on, it is recommended that you start with a trial period to give both parties an opportunity to terminate the agreement if things don’t work out.

 

Pay and Conditions

Daily rates paid amongst ex-pats vary considerably.  Some ex-pats pay per day worked, others pay a weekly salary which also covers public holidays and periods when the ex-pat is on leave.  Some pay transport costs for staff who don’t live in.  Some pay double pay for overtime hours or work carried out during weekends or holidays; others pay the standard rate for these hours.  Evening babysitting rates also vary widely.

 

Although daily rates vary, the average wage appears to be around FJD35 per day.  However, it seems that, although costs have risen considerably in recent years, this average wage has been static for some years.  A raise in the official national minimum wage came into effect on 1 July 2015 of $2.32FJD/ hour.   

 

LESA suggests that domestic staff should receive a minimum of FJD 35 for a standard eight-hour day.  We also believe that as responsible employers, staff should be paid when they are sick, when a work day falls on a public holiday and when the employer chooses to go away.  

 

Gardeners

In many cases, a gardener is provided and paid for by the landlord.  Gardeners tend to be paid per day worked – the average is around FJD 25 for a gardener carrying out basic grass-cutting and raking and clearing duties, up to around FJD35 for a gardener who actually knows something about gardening!  Again, we recommend a minimum of FJD 35 per day.

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Guards

The UN has agreed to reimburse the cost of guards for any international staff member wanting this service.  Guards are generally employed through companies.  Liaise with your UN agency in regards to hiring for your home.  

 

The company most commonly used is:

Evergreen (previously known as GuardForce), part of ADT security company Ph: 336-1999