GROOMS WISE UP

BGA's Executive Director, Lucy Katan, speaks of why it’s crucial for grooms to recognise what Good Employment is, and to not accept anything less.

"Over the years I have educated thousands of grooms on the importance of Good Employment and hopefully ensured that they have their eyes open when they are accepting a new work opportunity. It is critical to be paid correctly and employed legally. Yet there are still conversations like this; 

Employer: “I would like to offer you the job. The hours are 7.00am -5.30pm, it is a six-day week. Your salary will be £350 per week. I can offer you loads of riding too. The accommodation is great, and it will only cost you £100 per week.”

Groom: “Ok, and what happens with any overtime that I might work?”

Employer: “I don’t pay overtime; it is all in your £350. Also, you will need your own insurance policy as I only employ on a self-employed basis.”

Groom: “Ok, and just checking I will get payslips, etc?”

Employer: “No you are self-employed, so you need to give me invoices each month.”

Groom: “Does this mean you don’t have Employers Liability Insurance?”

Employer:” No I don’t need it as all my staff are self-employed.”

Does this sound familiar?

You would not accept a job in a factory with these conditions where National Minimum Wage (NMW) legislation is not complied with,  incorrect employment status, and illegal non-compliance to Employers Liability Insurance…. so why are you within an equestrian yard?

Sixteen years ago, I formed the BGA and one of our core aims was to radically improve the working conditions for all grooms.

There is no doubt that our industry is moving in the right direction, however, it is clear that we are not there yet as conversations as per the above are still happening far too often.

What worries me so much is the evidenced link between poor employment practice and mental well-being. It is understandable that if you are not being paid correctly, don’t have a contract of employment, and other things are just not quite right, of course, it is going to play on your mind. This must be stopped. It is easy to stop.

By not understanding your own employment rights, how much you should be paid, having the correct employment status, getting your holiday entitlement, and what you should be charged for accommodation if on NMW… succinctly you are allowing employers to continue dodging the law of this land.

There are plenty of really good employers out there. They offer a legal, safe, compliant position. If you don’t know what these three critical pillars of working for someone are, well then please join the BGA and within no time, you will.

Lucy"  

JOIN US

The BGA is your organisation that supports, represents, and champions the career of all grooms. If you are not a member yet, please join to help us make the equestrian industry a place of only Good Employment.

Be part of the change - JOIN NOW.

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS