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WHY I AM A MEMBER
“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”
Jenny Hooch
BGA Member
GROOMS JOB BOARD
Groom/rider or competition rider apprentice
Buckinghamshire
Sector Dressage
Search all the latest grooms jobs
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
Executive Director, Lucy Katan, shares her COVID-19 story and thoughts on the future of the equestrian sector after the pandemic... Since the coronavirus hit the UK, the phone has been ringing non-stop with members worried about their income, confused about funding/grants and concerned about how they are going to afford to live. The BGA and EEA team are working non-stop to bring you news as it breaks, and providing information on funding and grants and advice on what to do. I’m proud that our small team was so ‘on the ball’ that we are leading the way within the equestrian world. Why the BGA matters now more than ever This crisis has highlighted why the BGA was created, for grooms to have an association that is there to help and support but also understands their situation. For the first time, other people in the industry have started to recognise that being a groom is a livelihood and not just a hobby. For those who run equestrian establishments, and employ staff, these are understandably worrying times. The BGA’s sister organisation, the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) has also received a high volume of calls and supported so many employers over the past weeks. For those employers who have paid their business rates (where applicable), correctly had their staff on PAYE, and even had a not- for-profit company structure – funding, furloughing, SSP refunds, and other grants have been possible. For some, they have discovered that they are in fact a business and suddenly, for those who have bent (or ignored) the laws and rules for many years, a reality that they were vulnerable and on their own. For many this has come as a sharp wake up call. Illegal self-employment equals no support The thousands of grooms who are told they are self-employed, when they are not, or whose employers who are paying cash only, are the ones worst affected because they are not entitled to receive anything more than Universal Credit. They couldn’t be furloughed nor receive the Statutory Sick Pay entitlement – they were on their own. For some grooms, the realisation of the consequences of being in an illegal false self-employment situation was a shock. This makes me very uncomfortable, as we all know that these individuals are the hardest workers, and they have received absolutely nothing! How has Covid 19 affected the industry? Although it is a hard time for many it is important to know how the coronavirus has affected the industry. The Impact Survey we ran in April revealed that: The findings demonstrate that the entire industry is facing a time of unprecedented challenge. Coronavirus presents an array of difficulties which vary depending on business type and grooms’ way of working, but it is clear, this is a problem that impacts everyone. I am also really proud and pleased that during this crisis we are the leaders in mental well being support in the equestrian sector and our members can access Grooms Minds and Employers Minds. What does the future look like? We are living in uncertain times but I have two hopes post COVID-19 that ensures grooms and employers are protected. At this time, it is essential that the industry as a whole prioritises those that run businesses and earn a living and livelihood from horses. Without them, others will be unable to enjoy the hobby and sport. So I would ask that grooms and employers consider life post COVID-19: This is my first hope for life in the equestrian sector post COVID-19: Grooms, do not accept positions of false self employment – you are either a freelance groom with multiple clients and running your own business OR employed, on PAYE and with a written statement of terms of employment. We need your help and support Every business is taking a financial hit, and so I can’t stress to you how important it is that you continue your membership and encourage your friends to join the BGA and your employer the EEA.
The equestrian sector after COVID-19
Grooms take responsibility for their own circumstances. Educate yourself by joining the British Grooms Association, your professional body, and spend time to understand about your employment status and rights.
This is my second hope for life in the equestrian sector post COVID-19:
All equestrian businesses become legally compliant. Ensuring that those who work for them have the correct employment status, pay employees/workers via PAYE and issue the written statement of employment particulars (written contract) on day one of employment.
Our equestrian industry has to change and now is the moment for it to happen. The EEA now exists to enable every employer to become compliant – there are no excuses, it is time to protect yourself and your business.
It is important to remember that this isn’t forever. If you need us, we are here to support you."
BLOG ARCHIVE
What the personal accident policy covers you for:
- Whilst at work
- All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
- Clipping
- Riding – including hacking and jumping
- Hunting
- Lunging
- Breaking in
- Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
- Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
- Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
- Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor
What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:
- Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
- Stunt Riding
- Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
- Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
- Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
- Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.
| GROOM | RIDER | EMPLOYER | |
|
When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client. |
|
|
|
| Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing. | NO |
YES |
YES |
| Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client. | YES |
NO |
NO |
| Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name | NO | NO | YES |
| Buy and sell horses | NO | YES | YES |
The BGA is the national representative body for all
grooms working in the UK or British grooms abroad.
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