42% of freelancers are falsely self-employed

A recent survey, conducted by the British Grooms Association (BGA), revealed that 42% of freelance grooms are falsely classed as self-employed, when they should have either employee or worker status.

False self-employment prevents the employee from obtaining employment rights. It is also is a form of tax evasion, and is illegal.

This often means that the employer also avoids purchasing Employer’s Liability Insurance which is both unlawful and immoral and results in the groom being unprotected at work.

If an accident were to occur the consequences could be significant for both parties.

Being self-employed is multi-factorial and the following circumstances are all warning flags: 

• Only working for one person;
• the employer setting the hourly rate and the hours/days to be worked;
• not having the flexibility to be able to work for others;
• and having to ask for holidays. 

“You can’t be told that you are self-employed. Also, paying your own tax and National Insurance doesn’t automatically mean that you are classed as self-employed. Being falsely self-employed is leaving grooms and employers at risk of investigation and is illegal."

Grooms concerned about their employment status are advised to review this false self-employment guide and understand the differences between an employee, worker and being self-employed. 

Employers who need advice should get in touch with the Equestrian Employers Association.

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