One in 3 families now has home help

Last updated at 14:35 08 April 2004


One in three families now employs someone to help with household chores, according to a survey.

The report shows that hiring maids, gardeners and personal assistants is no longer the preserve of the wealthy.

Those on moderate salaries of under £20,000 are almost as likely to be taking on extra help as higher earners.

The number of butlers has increased in the last decade with up to 6,000 in the UK typically earning between £35,000 and £55,000 a year. Cleaners are paid between £7 and £12 an hour, according to the survey for the Royal bank of Scotland.

Overwork and a desire to see more of friends and family were cited as the main reasons for needing help.

Most commonly-used were window cleaners, followed by general cleaners and gardeners.

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