Employing Family Members

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Find out whether you can employ a family member as a Personal Assistant, and what you need to consider.

Finding out if a PA is Employed or Self-Employed

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It is important for anyone considering taking on a PA to understand the difference in employment status between an employee and a self-employed PA. This can affect their legal relationship and financial agreements between them. Find out more about how to determine if a PA is employed or self-employed.

Covid-19 guidance for PA Employers

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There are now no official Covid-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. However, this page includes some things you may wish to consider around Covid-19 as an Employer of Personal Assistants. 

PAs’ Role in Helping to Administer Medication

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It might not always be appropriate for Personal Assistants to administer medicine and in many cases training by professionals is required which will be the responsibility of the employer but PAs have responsibilities here too.

Personal Outcomes and PA Employers

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PA Employers are likely to identify their Personal Outcomes in their Personal Outcomes Plan (or Support Plan). These will focus on what’s important to the Employer and what they would like to achieve.

Finishing with Being an Employer

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There might be a number of reasons why someone no longer wants to be a PA Employer. This could because the employer's circumstances have changed and they would prefer not to be an employer anymore, or their needs have changed and they require a different type of support. Whatever the reason might be, there are a number of things the PA Employer needs to be aware of and manage when bringing the PAs employment to an end.

Changing Your SDS Option

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Find out more about the different options you have for arranging your support. You can choose how much control and responsibility you want to take when it comes to arranging and managing your support.

Advocacy Services

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Advocacy is a way to help people have a stronger voice when talking about their needs so they can have as much control as possible over their own lives. Independent advocates don't work for the council and put your needs first and details on how to find one near you are here.

Minimum hourly rate for PAs

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Each year, the Scottish Government sets the minimum hourly rate of pay for Personal Assistants who support adults. This article explains what the current national minimum rate of pay for PAs is.

Thank you

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To recognise the time and expertise that everyone has provided to enable this resource to be developed.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.