Do you know what Good Employment is?

As part of the Equestrian Employers Association's Good Employment Week, Juliet Hamlyn-Payne, BGA Communications Manager, talks what Good Employment looks like. 

"Do you know what Good Employment is? Are you certain your employment is legal? and do you understand your rights? These are questions all grooms should know the answer to. 

We work hard to educate grooms in matters surrounding their industry, including what is legal employment. Which is why it is so important for everyone to get involed with Good Employment Week, (GEW), this annual campaign is orgainsed by our sister association, the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA). The week aims to raise awareness surrounding matters of Good Employment and to highlight the importance of employing legally, kindly, and fairly.

Let's look a little deeper to find out what Good Employment means.

Why are good employment practices important to grooms?

Working in the equestrian industry is extremely rewarding, and a passion for many, but can be hard physical work with long hours. Poor employment practices are still far too commonplace. In many incidences, these practices are illegal.

In the latest survey carried out by the British Grooms Association (BGA), 55% of grooms reported that they are working with no contract of employment.

It really is time to wise up and have a zero tolerance for poor employment.

If all grooms challenged poor employment then the industry would become a place where only Good Employment is accepted. 

Our survey also showed that underpayment of the NMW and breaking the Working Time Regulations through long hours and no holidays are common - come on grooms, please record your working hours and time off. A quick note on your mobile at the end of the day is all it takes. By recording your working hours you can easily see if you are being paid at least NMW for EVERY HOUR worked! This information is so important to any future complaints or claims. 

Some grooms are still being told they are self-employed, which often leads to them having an incorrect employment status, affecting the employment rights they are entitled to. These poor employment practices need to be stamped out! 

It is important for grooms to be employed legally and fairly to ensure that the industry is a professional, safe, and happy place to work.

How do I know my employer is employing me correctly?

Being a member of the BGA is a great place to start, as the website and helplines have a wide range of advice and guidance on all things related to good employment. If you aren't sure you are employed correcly use our quick and easy online checker to help you. 

Having a contract of employment in place, being paid correctly (at least the NMW for your age including any overtime worked), and able to take your holidays without much fuss, then these are all good indicators. However, good, fair, and legal employment goes beyond this.

The Code of Good Employment

The EEA has The Code of Good Employment, which has been designed for equestrian employers of all sizes and all sectors of our industry. It marks an important stage in the development of good employment practice in the equestrian world.

As a groom, you can look at the code to see how your employer measures up and use it as a guide as to what you should expect within your own employment.

THE CODE HAS FOUR KEY PRINCIPLES:

MAKE IT LEGAL

Requirements are adhered to in order to be compliant and protect your business.

A. Correct employment status of staff.
B. Written contracts provided to all workers and employees.
C. Staff Handbook with policies in place available for staff.
D. Fair and transparent recruitment process.

PAY CORRECTLY

The statutory laws regarding salaries are observed.

A. Paying at least the National Minimum/ Living Wage.
B. Salaries reviewed on an annual basis.
C. Compliance of PAYE, payslips and pension regulations.
D. Accommodation regulations adhered to.

GOOD MANAGEMENT

An organised and caring culture to ensure staff feel valued and happy.

A. Holiday leave planned and taken.
B. Sickness policy and procedures exist.
C. Maternity/paternity requirements adhered to.
D. Periodic appraisals for staff.
E. Training and development opportunities for staff if desired.
F. Team culture which embraces good two-way communication.
G. Bullying or harassment in any form is not tolerated.

SAFE WORKPLACE

The laws regarding having a safe workplace are adhered to.

A. The legally required insurance is in place.
B. Strict adherence to Health and Safety

Find out more information about Good Employment Week and the Code of Good Employment and Good Employment practices on the Equestrian Employers Associations website. 

Are you employed correctly?

Employing legally is not a choice and an employer has a responsibility to ensure that everything is done correctly to protect you and themselves.

If you need more help please do join us, we are here for ALL grooms."

Juliet

Belong to your professional association

Be part of a community of grooms, just like you. 

If you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options, available for less than 50 pence per week. 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS