Domestic staff are sometimes necessary and important in households. In my case I have staff operating on a 24/7 basis (not the domestic staff, the security staff are on 24/7). They play an important role in keeping a very large house and grounds running efficiently. I work and have children and to have a hierarchy of staff allows me to spend more time with my children and also more time for my work.

I guess it depends how you treat them. In my mind they are employees and are respected for the role they play for the family. They work eight hour shifts and have two days off per week. We usually hire married couples with children so they live here as a family in provided housing. We pay for the children's education. They are paid a fair salary. We offer one paid educational course per year for those who wish to eventually change their job. It's all on a contract basis. Most of our employees request to extend their contract.

I know that there are many domestic staff in this country who work under difficult conditions. Part of my work is to promote change in this area.

Oh yeah, please..they are not 'teaboys'. We call ours 'waiters, or butlers in some instances'.