Terms and Conditions

Cocoon UK Limited (“Cocoon”) will only undertake business with you (the “Client”) on the following terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”). The Terms and Conditions are legally binding so please read them carefully.

1. Cocoon acts as an introduction agency only and does not directly or indirectly employ any of the applicants introduced to the Client by Cocoon (the  “Cocoon Applicants”), who are all self-employed.
2. The booking by the Client of a Cocoon Applicant will be deemed as acceptance by the Client of the Terms and Conditions whether or not the Client signs and returns the Terms and Conditions to Cocoon.
3. The Client will be charged a fee upon booking a Cocoon Applicant, including but not limited to the booking of a Night Nanny or Maternity Nurse (the “Introduction Fee”).  The Introduction Fee must be paid in Pounds Sterling by bank transfer.  In addition to the Introduction Fee, the Client is also required to pay agency fees in accordance with paragraph 5.
4. The registration Fee is a one-off fee for the initial booking by the Client of the Cocoon Applicant. This fee is non-refundable should the client decide to no longer use Cocoons Services.  In the event that the Client requires any future services, including the return of a Cocoon Night Nanny or Maternity Nurse at a future date, they will not be required to pay the registration fee again.  However, the client must notify Cocoon of such an event and will be required to pay Cocoon the agency fees. (Please refer to our Fees page for these)
5. Agency Fees must be paid in Pounds Sterling by bank transfer only. Agency Fees will be invoiced to you before the booking for a Maternity nurse and at the end of the month for Night Nannies.
6. Cocoon will assume that the Client and the Cocoon Applicant have agreed all the terms on which the Cocoon Applicant will be engaged by the Client unless the Client informs Cocoon in writing to the contrary prior to the commencement of that engagement. 
7. The Client is required to pay the Cocoon Applicant direct for the fees agreed between the Cocoon Applicant and the Client on the basis set out below, unless otherwise agreed in writing:
   1. Night nanny – payment at the end of each week unless otherwise agreed between both parties.
   2. Maternity nurse – payment at the end of each week unless otherwise agreed between both parties.
   3. Sleep trainer/breast feeding counsellor – payment at the end of each consultation.
8. The Client is requested to reimburse the Cocoon Applicant all reasonable travelling expenses to the interview upon presentation of receipts.
9. The Introduction Fee and Agency Fees (together “Cocoon’s Fees”) are non-refundable. If during the booking unforeseen circumstances arise resulting in the departure of the Cocoon Applicant, Cocoon will use reasonable endeavours to find a suitable replacement for the remainder of the booking provided the following conditions have been fulfilled:
   1. Cocoons introduction fee and any agency invoice fees have been paid on booking the Cocoon applicant.
   2. There has been no reasonable cause for the Cocoon applicant to terminate employment with the client.
   3. If no suitable replacement can be found, any agency fees already paid will be refunded on a pro-rata basis.
10. In the event that the Client wishes or needs to cancel a booking prior to commencement of the booking due to extenuating circumstances, Cocoon reserves the right to retain 50% of the Introduction Fee for work incurred.
11. While Cocoon uses reasonable endeavours to verify the background of the Cocoon Applicants introduced by it before employment commences, we cannot guarantee that all the information regarding Cocoon’s Applicants is accurate. Cocoon does not accept any liability whatsoever for misrepresentation, loss, damage, injury, delay, claims or expense of any description arising out of an introduction made by Cocoon.
12. Whilst Cocoon tries to ensure that a potential Cocoon Applicant is interviewed personally and full reference checks are carried out, it is ultimately the sole responsibility of the Client to make their own enquiries and checks to satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the Cocoon Applicant. Cocoon gives no guarantee regarding the capability, character, medical condition, age or suitability of the Cocoon Applicant. The final responsibility for accepting and employing the Cocoon Applicant lies with the Client.
13. Cocoon reserves the right to use its own discretion with regards to any situation or problem not provided for in its terms.
14. All information is confidential and must not be passed by the Client to any third party, either directly or indirectly. If information is passed to a third party and a Cocoon Applicant is booked/ engaged by a third party otherwise than through Cocoon, this will constitute a breach of the Terms and Conditions and the standard Agency Fees set out in clause 5 above will be charged to and payable by the Client.
15. The word “Cocoon Applicant” refers to a Maternity Nurse, Nanny, Student Nurse, Nurse, Sleep Trainer or Breastfeeding Counsellor or any other person whom Cocoon introduces as available for employment by the Client.
16. Cocoon reserves the right to increase Cocoon’s Fees by giving one month’s written notice to the Client. If the Client is dissatisfied with the increase, he or she may cancel the contract. In such an event the Client shall no longer be entitled to employ the service of the Cocoon Applicant on any basis.