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Home /News/Looking forwards to the new normal

Looking forwards to the 'New Normal'

8th July 2020
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The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) are working in collaboration with the British Grooms Association (BGA) to create a ‘new normal’ for correct employment in the equestrian industry as they urge both employers and employees to modernise and protect themselves and their businesses.

The pandemic has highlighted the need for modernisation as many grooms and employers found themselves ineligible for funding or government support due to incorrect and illegal employment practices.

This is turn has a huge economic impact on the industry and raises concerns about the viability of the future of many establishments.

With the focus on three key points: correct employment status, the issuing of written employment contracts and being correctly registered with HMRC, the EEA and BGA are asking everyone within the industry to work together and pledge to make the changes required.

“A recent poll revealed that 45% of employed grooms do not have a written statement of particulars (contract), despite this being the law on or before the start date of employment. This figure has dropped from the previously reported 56%, but we still have a long way to go. I urge all grooms to be more aware, take responsibility of their own situation and have the confidence not to accept jobs that are substandard.”

Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the BGA 

 

"We know that the pandemic has hit many equestrian businesses hard and so we must look ahead in order to protect our businesses and future proof our industry as a whole. By working together we can create a 'new normal'. Our research shows that positive employment changes are happening, but we still have a long way to go. I would encourage all business owners to utilise the tools available on the EEA to ensure correct employment."

Tullis Matson, President of the EEA

Take the pledge to make the changes today. For employment advice for grooms go to britishgrooms.org.uk. Advice and a complete HR toolkit is available for employers at equestrianemployers.org.uk.

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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