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Home /News/Grooms not skilled workers

Grooms not 'Skilled Workers'?

This week the government announced plans to introduce a "points-based" post-Brexit immigration system.

Low-skilled workers will not receive visas and the Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally after UK-EU free movement ended, on 31 December.

The changes will mean that the free movement of European countries will end, resulting in a big change in the UK economy.

Which occupations are classed as skilled?
Under the plan, the definition of skilled workers would be expanded to include those educated to A-level/Scottish Highers-equivalent standard, not just graduate level, as is currently the case.

Certain types of farm worker would be removed from the new skilled category. It is unclear where grooms will sit.

Under this new system overseas citizens would have to reach 70 points to be able to work in the UK. Speaking English and having the offer of a skilled job with an "approved sponsor" would give workers 50 points.

How will grooms be affected?

Given the changes already announced to the list, I would be very surprised if the occupation of ‘groom’ is added to the list of ‘skilled workers’.

It will not be possible to employ workers from the EU any longer. Employers that have relied on this form of staffing will have to make changes to their employment plans.

Our industry must move towards one of Good Employment. There are enough people that still want to work with horses, but if they are unfortunate to have a bad experience, they will leave and not return.”

Lucy Katan, Chief Executive of the British Grooms Association

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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