Does anybody have any experience of using volunteers found via sites such as Helpx? We are considering it, but are concerned about various issues such as What happens if they have an accident while staying/working with us? Also, concerned about how much vetting in advance we can reasonably do. We have a mix of skilled diy and completely unskilled labouring/gardening jobs to get done. Interested in hearing of your experiences, both good and bad.
Ahh... Thanks. It all makes sense now.
It's a small room above James's workshop and in the barn - when you are in it it feels like you have escaped from the rest of the world - hence the escape POD name!
Can I pick this one up Don?
A POD is the bespoke Higginson - esque guest quarters - some of us SFN'ers have stayed there, so I feel I can speak with a bit of authority on this one...............hmm, lots of new words here....
Catharine forgive my ignorance, but what is a POD?
They were as I said French and were heavily fined, this about 4 and 6 years ago as I recall.
As I said, I would make sure you have a cover story worked out. It isn't about how many people haven't been caught it's what happens if you are as a foreigner, just being aware.
Of course people could ask the relevant authorities if they want a proper answer, it's what I have always done and can save an awful lot of tears.
How does anyone know what you are doing? My experience is that if you are in rural France just as in rural UK people usually know what you are doing before you do.
Good luck, Chris
I don't know about the legalities but we have used them a number of times with very good results.
Geoff
Do you know what the consequences were for the people who were done? And do they know how the authorities found out?
Aw thanks! Now I just need to ensure that the POD is empty before May! (It is currently full of a friends worldly goods....)
IMHO the "POD" would be ideal for this type of visitor - I think they'd love it.
We had a young couple working on a local chateau and they were living in disgusting caravans - the pod would be well received I feel by comparison.
All the feedback I have had from people who have either been helpers or who have welcomed helpers has been wholly positive.
If we had anything that could pass as guest accommodation I would definitely give it a try.
I know a couple of French people that were done for this that's all.
It was one of the original reasons for AE to get people of the black that were doing little jobs or paying hobbies, it just turned into something else, no surprises there.
Try this, there's probably plenty more. http://www.urssaf.fr/employeurs/dossiers_reglementaires/dossiers_reglementaires/avantages_en_nature_01.html
All employment has to be legally accounted for in France.
Chris
I have used Helpx for the past two years and have had only good experiences. Some great people, young, communicative, curious and willing to muck in. Some are not so young but they are worth getting to know too as they bring experience and levity to the job.
Out of the 20 odd helpers we've had I think there was only one who wasn't really into it: a Spanish girl who was really here just to look for a job and a way to escape Spain. The best are the New Zealanders: hard-working, polite and inventive.
The key is to NOT let them do dangerous work, keep them off high ladders and keep power tools out of their hands and you can't go wrong. But you have to work with them and show them what you want to do. And respect the rules: no more than 4 hours work a day. But be warned! They eat a lot and need fed regularly. In the end its worth it in every way: most of them end up friends for life.
Hi, Chris, could you give us a bit more detail on this, as it is obviously important - personal experience, hearsay, or what? Every village in France exchanges work for work on an ad hoc basis, etc, so I'm a bit confused as to what constitutes employment. Can you point us to a set of regulations?
Thanks, Peter
Yes. This is true. It's recommended that you get people to sign a piece of paper in France to exonerate yourself from various issues, including holiday accrued. The HelpX website has more detail, from memory.
[Disclaimer for bureaucrats: I have not said that I have experience of HelpXers in France and no assumption should be made. It's also possible that this is not my real name. Although I'll admit, that's unlikely.]
Make sure you have a cover story, URSSAF take a dim view of this unless things have changed.
An accident when you are technically employing someone could also open a can of worms.
Payment in kind is considered employment in France.
Chris
Hi there,
We've had HelpXers a few times and the experience is always worthwhile. We screen people on our host profile with expressions like: "We ask only that you are positive and enthusiastic." One other point is that we have a two-week limit. We figure we can cope with anyone for two weeks and it saves any awkwardness at the end of the stay.
We've made good friends who are HelpXers and highly recommend it. Good luck.
Hi Clare
During the past three years I've had quite a few volunteers to help me all from a site called "workaway.com". It's been great, however I think it's the luck of the draw as to the chances of finding skilled labour. Workaway has a feedback feature so if people have volunteered before; then you are able to check out what they are like.
My experience is that the type of people who are up for this type of travel/experience normally have a good attitude and really want to please and generally aren't "freeloaders", obviously some are better than others.
I haven't used the other sites but would highly recommend workaway. If you have any specific questions please ask.
I am also looking into this, so would also appreciate any feedback anyone has.
Thanks