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National Minimum Wage: Workers win 2m compensation

Workers whose bosses failed to pay the National Minimum Wage are to be refunded a record £2m, the government has revealed.

In its latest "name and shame" campaign, it lists 230 employers which have not complied with the law. In total 13,000 employees have received - or will receive - compensation for their loss of pay.

This time there were no equestrian businesses listed.

However with over 2000 further investigations currently happening by the HMRC and an awareness that our industry is not compliant, the BGA would not be surprised to learn of more yards being procecuted in the future. 

The government will be spending £25m on minimum wage enforecement next year. The current minimum wage rates are: National Living Wage (25 years and over) - £7.50 per hour adult rate of National Minimum Wage (21 to 24-year-olds) - £7.05 per hour.

Melissa Tatton, Director at HM Revenue and Customs said: “HMRC is committed to getting money back into the pockets of underpaid workers, and continues to crack down on employers who ignore the law. Those not paying workers the National Minimum or Living Wage can expect to face the consequences.”

The BGA urges equestrian employers to abide by the law of NMW and NLW, it is not a choice; employers can contact us for further advice and guidance. 

"Reporting an employer for non compliance has become so much easier for employees," explained BGA's Chief Executive, Lucy Katan. " It can now be done online with a simple form to complete. Grooms are becoming increasingly aware of their employment rights, and an employer that breaks the law is taking a gamble of getting found out." 

 



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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