Bubble is a platform that connects sitters with families - we don't employ sitters, set your hours, or direct how you do your work. This means that if you earn money through Bubble, you're generally doing so as a self-employed individual.
As Bubble is not an employer or employment agency, it's your own responsibility to understand your employment status and comply with relevant regulations.
What does that mean for tax?
As a self-employed sitter, you're responsible for declaring and paying any tax on your earnings - whether those come through Bubble or any other babysitting work you do privately. Bubble does not provide independent advice - an advisor, the HMRC Self Assessment guidance or employment status tool may be able to help you.
A few things worth knowing:
You will need to provide your National Insurance number when you join Bubble as a sitter
There is a personal tax-free allowance in the UK. If your total earnings are below this, you won't owe income tax but you may still need to file a Self Assessment return with HMRC. It is a sitter's responsibility to comply with relevant regulations here.
Bubble is required by UK law, as a digital marketplace, to report sitter earnings to HMRC once a year.
Bubble will also send all sitters a year-end earnings breakdown, but you can also find your completed bookings in your emails, as well as in Bookings → Completed on the app.
What if I work regularly for one family?
If your arrangement with a particular family becomes long-term, HMRC may view it as closer to an employer/employee relationship. If that's the case, it's worth getting independent advice to make sure both parties are meeting their obligations.
Note: If you find a position through our Nanny placement service, your employment status will be explained to you during the recruitment process.