LAUNCH OF EMPLOYERS ZONE

The British Grooms Association (BGA) has proudly launched the Equine Employer’s Zone, the first ever online dedicated guide to employing staff in the equestrian industry. In addition it has further improved its commitment to offer support and engagement with employers by recruiting Tim Lord, proprietor of Berkshire Riding School, to the Board of Directors as the Employer’s Representative.

Made possible due to a grant from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and a few generous donations, the BGA has worked tirelessly with Morrish Solicitors LLP to pull together this easy-to-use and practical employment problem solver relevant to the equestrian industry. It addresses the everyday and more infrequent issues that every employer needs to deal with, from recruiting to discipline and termination, employment facts, sickness and employee relations.

Tailored specifically to the challenges of the equine industry, the Zone includes: • Case studies • Downloadable templates for every situation • Practical handy tips • the legal facts • Check lists • Downloadable contacts/written statement of employment terms. The Zone also offers access to an employment helpline with HR on tap and regular newsletters including the latest updates on changes to the law.

Executive Director, Lucy Katan, explained more: “As the BGA is a social enterprise we have always had a vision that to help the grooms, we must also offer support and guidance to employers.  We have been contacted so many times by really conscientious employers who are keen to employ their staff in the best possible way; they know it makes good business sense. We realised that there was nowhere online for equine employers to turn to for help, so decided to tackle this issue ourselves”.

The Employers Zone has received unanimous support from all sectors of the industry. It has been endorsed by the BEF. Chief Executive Andrew Finding OBE commented:  “The Employers Zone is an excellent, well researched and practical tool for any equine employer. As an industry we depend on our employees and our businesses reap the benefits if they are correctly managed. I am concerned about the evidence I have seen of substandard and illegal employment practices in our industry. Consequently, I am pleased that the BGA has undertaken this important work. I recommend the Employers Zone to all who employ staff and urge them to ensure that their employment practice is legal; the situation must improve, and rapidly.”

Tim Stockdale has also offered his endorsement, “Having been an employer for many years I am thankful that at last there is an informative guide to employment relevant to the equestrian industry and its demands. The BGA’s Employers Zone is full of useful information and advice. I would urge all employers, no matter how experienced you are, to get access.”

Purchase your access to the Employer Zone for just £37.50