Equestrians included in latest NMW Naming List

Three well-known names from the equestrian community have been included in the latest list of UK employers found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage (NMW) between 2015 and 2021.

The list, published by the Department for Business and Trade, names more than 500 businesses across a range of industries.

The published data covers historic underpayments identified following investigations by HMRC and does not necessarily reflect current practices.

All three equestrian employers who have been named in this round of enforcement have repaid what was owed.

The BGA understands that at least one of the mispayments was as a result of a livery perk oversight. This highlights one of the many complex financial challenges equestrian employers navigate, which, if misunderstood, can easily lead to mistakes.

In response to the listing, Pippa Funnell said:

“My small team mean the world to me, anyone who knows me knows how much I value them. This relates to an HMRC check completed in 2021 during the Covid pandemic. As part of the process, an administrative error was found relating to the change of rates and an age-related pay rise.”

“I implemented changes immediately to remedy this in 2021 with full approval of HMRC at the time. I complied with all HMRC requests, and the matter was concluded in 2021. I am regretful that it happened and apologised to my team when the error was discovered.”

In addition, Gemma Stevens (nee Tattersall) said:

“This relates to an HMRC check in 2018. As part of the review, it came to light that some of the change of age/rates of pay had been missed. This was immediately rectified, and all penalties were paid in line with HMRC guidance.”

“It was a genuine error, since which changes have been implemented to ensure I remain in line with HMRC requirements. I pride myself on having a brilliant team of long-standing staff who are greatly valued, and I would always want them to be remunerated correctly for their work.”

Good Employment Matters

The British Grooms Association (BGA) are committed to raising awareness of employment rights and responsibilities within the industry and is on hand to support grooms in understanding the NMW.

Common causes of underpayment of the NMW often include errors relating to: 

• Unpaid overtime 
• Incorrect apprenticeship rates
• Overcharging for accommodation
• Change in age rates

The BGA’s sister organisation, The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), offers a range of resources, guidance, smart online tools and a series of videos from the HMRC to help equestrian employers stay compliant.

The EEA also offers further support and a NMW Compliance helpline for employers through its partnership with the Fair Pay Hub.

Paying the correct NMW rate for every hour worked is not a choice, it is the law and failure to comply can be costly. Grooms who are paid incorrectly can report their employer to the HMRC.

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