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News
Home /Grooms life/Too many grooms still without written employment contracts

Too many grooms still without written employment contracts

10th March 2025
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A recent survey conducted by the British Grooms Association (BGA) has revealed that 55% of employed grooms who responded do not have a written contract of employment otherwise known as a written statement of employment particulars - a legal requirement under UK employment law.

The survey, conducted in January 2025, gathered responses from 343 grooms, of which 255 were employed on a full-time, part-time, or zero-hours basis.

 

Alarmingly, 80% of zero-hours grooms and 50% of part-time grooms reported they did not have a written contract, leaving them vulnerable to issues such as unpaid wages or incorrect holiday entitlement.

This issue affects grooms across all age groups:

  • 9% of 16–18-year-olds have no contract
  • 26% of under-21s have no contract
  • 27% of 22–30-year-olds have no contract
  • 47% of over-31s have no contract
 

"It’s deeply concerning that grooms of all ages are working without a written contract. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this legally required document is a fundamental right, outlining your pay, hours, holiday entitlement and notice period. This is an industry-wide issue that must change. Every groom deserves fair and legal employment."

Lucy Katan, Executive Director, British Grooms Association

Encouragingly, the survey indicated a small improvement in compliance, with 38% of full-time grooms working without a contract - a reduction compared to previous years, likely due to the increased use of the Equestrian Employers Association’s Contract Creator tool.

The lack of employment contracts in the equestrian industry remains a serious concern and the BGA, particularly as we often find that where there is no written contract, there are additional issues.

For example, 25% of grooms reported being told they were self-employed despite only working at one yard, a situation that is false self-employment; An illegal practice which can lead to serious repercussions for employers if reported.

 

“My daughter recently started a new job and despite all the right signs they would treat her right before she joined, she hasn’t been given a contract and now is having challenges being paid! I’ve had to intervene which I really didn’t want to do but bully tactics are easier with a young girl but not so much with me! She’s subsequently handed in her notice.”

Anon parent

The BGA urges all grooms to check their employment status and ensure they receive their legal right to a written contract on or before their first day of employment.

Know your rights. Only accept Good Employment. Join the BGA today and get the advice and support you need.

 

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I am an employer - click here

 



NEWS ARCHIVE

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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.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
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