Paying someone to dig for me?

[grawrc]

Yes and No Unwashed. 

Unwashed? he ain't even posted on this thread??

d**n - Same avatar or a least unwashed's old one????

Yes it is the same avatar as unwashed's. Not sure who was first (not that it really matters - Unwashed has changed his now).

[grawrc]

[Hyacinth]

Hello, I'm just catching up with threads and just happened upon this.

First off, do hope that your back improves, Phil, and that you and your OH have a good season down on the lottie.

It seems an excellent plan for you to hire in some help - I wonder if you still have the contact details of the man you hired to dig the trench? - he sounds ideal as a thorough worker you've had before and whom you can trust to do a good job at a similar rate of pay to that which you paid him before.

To getting the work done by someone new, tho, I'd like to make a couple of comments (I started up and run a Gardening Scheme for the elderly/disabled & we operate at under going-rate prices and I always make the preliminary visit).

At under market-rate prices for this specific group, I'd be asking for £8 per hour for whoever did the job. At this time of year, the first dig of the season, it will be hard physical work, tho a call-back later in the season if more digging needs to be done would probably have the hourly rate dropped to £7ph.

I'd like to see the work split over 2 days because a) it's damned cold out there and with low light levels I couldn't feasibly see anyone working long stretches - 5hrs max, say? Metcheck I've always found really good for local forecasts here & I'd plan 2 consecutive days.

I'd also split the job in two because it's unlikely that anyone who does it will be as fit and limber as they will be in April/May - as always remarked on here when the cries of "RADOX!" go up after the first heavy digging session of the season ;D  Like you, I'd want to see a good job done, with the last forkful being turned as thoroughly as the first, so this makes sense to me.

Good luck with finding the help you need,

Cheers!

[laurieuk]

Sorry but am I missing something you say will will ask a FRIEND and then spy on him to make sure he works  well.!!!!!

riend who is a gardener £10 an hour for some heavy digging when the weather gets better, but would make sure I'm there to keep an eye, as he is not the best timekeeper!
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