Understanding the NMW Increase

A week from today, on 1st April 2026, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is increasing.

This means that all UK employers - including equestrian businesses - must pay their staff at least the new legal hourly rate.

This is an important step towards ensuring fair pay in the industry and recognising the hard work of grooms.

Why the NMW matters for grooms

Grooms play a vital and important role in the equestrian world, caring for horses, managing yards, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Despite this, many grooms have historically been underpaid, often working long hours for salaries that don’t always meet legal requirements.

The NMW increase ensures that:

• Grooms receive fair and legal pay for their work.
• Employers are held accountable for meeting wage laws.
• The equestrian industry becomes a more attractive and sustainable career choice.

Calculating Your Wage Correctly

To ensure you’re being paid the correct rate:

• Take your total pay before tax.
• Divide it by the total hours worked.
• Compare this to the NMW rate for your age group.

BGA members can also use our handy Wage Calculator to work out your pay

Here’s an example: Emma is a 22-year-old groom paid £1,600 gross per month. She typically works 55 hours per week.

• £1,600 x 12 months = £19,200 gross per year
• £19,200 ÷  52 weeks = £369.23 per week.
• £369.23 ÷ 55 hours = £6.71 per hour.
• As the NMW for her age is £12.71 per hour (2026/27 rate), Emma is being underpaid.

If you suspect you are in a similar situation, take action!

How overtime can impact pay

You must be paid fairly for every hour you work, including overtime. If you regularly work more hours than stated in your contract but are paid the same salary, your actual hourly rate may fall below the NMW. You should be paid at least the NMW for every hour worked, including overtime.

Here’s an example: Jake is a 18-year-old groom paid £1,900 gross per month. His contract states 40 hours per week, but in reality, he regularly works 60 hours per week.

£1,900 x 12 months ÷ 52 weeks = £438.46 per week
£438.46 ÷ 60 hours = £7.31 per hour

As the NMW for his age is £10.85 per hour (2026/27 rate), Jake is being underpaid.

Why this happens

Jake’s salary might seem reasonable for a 40-hour week:

£438.46 ÷ 40 hours = £10.96 per hour

But, because he actually works an extra 20 hours every week without additional pay, his real hourly rate drops well below the legal minimum.

What to do if you suspect underpayment

Every employee in the UK has the legal right to earn at least the NMW. Employers who fail to meet this requirement can face fines, penalties, and even legal action.

If you think you are being paid less than the NMW:

1. Check the new rates: Compare your hourly wage with the updated NMW figures.
2. Calculate your pay: Divide your total earnings (before tax) by the number of hours worked.
3. Review your payslip: Ensure that deductions and overtime are accounted for correctly.
4. Speak to your employer: Approach them professionally and ask for clarification. Many cases of underpayment are due to misunderstandings or payroll errors.
5. Seek advice: If your employer does not resolve the issue, organisations like the British Grooms Association (BGA) can offer guidance.
6. Report it: HMRC investigates NMW underpayment.  If your employer refuses to pay correctly, you can report them to HMRC anonymously.
7. Consider Legal Action: In extreme cases, taking your employer to an employment tribunal may be necessary.

Your work as a groom is essential to the equestrian industry, and you deserve to be paid fairly. Understanding your rights, knowing how to calculate your wage, and taking action if underpaid will help ensure you receive the NMW you are legally entitled to.

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