Domestic Couple Jobs in London and Kent | Available Job Seekers and Couples Looking for Work

Black-and-white photo of Craig and Kirsten Bruun, advocates for ethical live-in domestic couple jobs.

Welcome to Jobs4Couples

We are Craig and Kirsten Bruun, a husband-and-wife team who spent 20 rewarding years working as a live-in domestic couple in London’s prestigious Mayfair district and in Kent, South East England. During this time, we held roles such as Housekeeper/Cook, Handyman/Driver, and Estate Manager across four very different private households. Through our extensive experience, we encountered both the rewards and challenges of domestic staffing, gaining invaluable insights along the way. By sharing our journey, we aim to support aspiring domestic couples in making well-informed decisions about pursuing a career in this field.

Helping Domestic Staff Connect Directly with Employers

We've created a jobs board for live-in staff designed to empower job seekers to take control of their careers by promoting themselves directly to employers seeking domestic staff. This is especially valuable for couples like us, as well as for aspiring domestic couples who have individual skills but lack experience working together. Our platform allows candidates to share their story beyond a standard CV, helping them connect with fair-minded employers who value transparency, respect, and fairness.

With our jobs board, you can bypass traditional staffing agencies and access meaningful opportunities with ethical employers who prioritise the well-being of their staff.

Help Us Expose Exploitation in Live-in Domestic Staffing

In December 2024, a journalist contacted us while investigating misconduct by one of our previous employers, where Kirsten and I had worked a few years earlier as a live-in domestic couple (in the roles of butler and lady’s maid) on their London and country estates. We shared our own experiences in that job and it gave us the opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by live-in domestic staff—many of whom are too afraid to speak up against exploitation and unfair working condition for fear of losing their jobs. If you want to join our fight for justice, share your experiences anonymously, or publish your story, please contact Craig at craig@jobs4couples.co.uk.

Hiring a Couple?

Advertise Your Couple and All Other Live-in Jobs Online Today From £99+Vat

Employers of live-in domestic staff can advertise domestic couple vacancies (opens a new window to our jobs board) or find registered candidates ready for work near you on our Jobs Board for Live-In Staff. This includes roles not only for domestic couples but also for housekeepers, drivers, gardeners, nannies, and au pairs, as well as live-in positions in care agencies, hotels, campsites, and hospitality.

What is a Domestic Couple and Why Are They Popular in the UK?

Domestic couples, sometimes called housekeeping couples, are typically partners who manage various household tasks for affluent employers. Historically, these roles were filled by married husband-and-wife teams, but modern placements are gradually reflecting more diversity, with same-sex couples and other pairings becoming more common. While this trend is progressing faster in other roles, such as seasonal or hospitality positions, domestic roles are slowly catching up. Domestic couples remain highly valued in high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) households for their ability to deliver comprehensive, personalised service covering tasks often performed by housekeepers, gardeners, or handymen. Learn more about Typical Roles and Responsibilities.

Domestic couples usually live on-site. Rural roles often provide cottages or separate flats, while urban roles might include accommodations within the employer’s residence, such as a wing or basement flat. Their adaptability and presence are especially sought after by employers who require a discreet, high-level service to manage complex household needs.

The UK, especially London, has long attracted HNW and UHNW individuals, thanks to its status as a financial centre and its appeal to international elites. In 2023, the UK was home to around 4,750 UHNWIs—each with a net worth exceeding £23 million—making it one of the top destinations for the ultra-wealthy. As wealth has risen globally, City AM reported that the UK’s HNWI population grew to 609,400 in 2021, underscoring the country’s strong concentration of affluent individuals. This mix of established British landowners and new multimillionaires drawn to the UK’s dynamic economy and cultural heritage drives strong demand for experienced domestic couples. (Source: City AM Report)

The popularity of British period dramas like Downton Abbey has also fuelled a renewed interest in live-in domestic roles among international elites, particularly in London’s prestigious West End. As noted by Time, these portrayals of the classic British household have inspired wealthy foreigners to adopt elements of traditional British service, with many seeking to replicate the classic household setup with dedicated, live-in staff. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of the UK’s rich cultural heritage, which continues to shape modern household management practices. (Sources: Fifty, Altrata, Capgemini, Time)

Disclaimer

The content of our website reflects our personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as legal advice. All claims are presented in good faith to raise awareness and advocate for reform in live-in domestic staffing roles. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified professional.

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