Facebook Tracking
Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.

My Account

My Tools

Login

Become a BGA member
Join now Member Zone Member services Training & careers Grooms Jobs Grooms Life About News Contact

WHY I AM A MEMBER

“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”

Jenny Hooch

BGA Member

BECOME A MEMBER

FROM ONLY £25.50

PER
YEAR

Join Now

GROOMS JOB BOARD

Experienced groom and rider for EC

Gloucestershire
Sector Livery
View Job
Search all the latest grooms jobs

    WATCH OUR VIDEO

    WATCH OUR VIDEO

News
Home /News/good-employment-week-2023

Good Employment Week 2023

20th November 2023
News Article Image

Together with the Equestrian Employers Association the British Grooms Association today celebrates the start of the annual Good Employment Week, this year the focus is on both employers and grooms ‘putting their hands up’.

A recent survey has revealed that 55% of grooms that responded have put their hands up to not having a written contract of employment. (NB. Employers can use the EEA Contract Creator tool to create bespoke, solicitor-written contracts - Discover how here)

This is a deeply concerning statistic and it demonstrates that the equestrian industry remains a place where too many yards are ignoring the most basic employment legislation.

Staggeringly, 75% of those in part-time or zero hours position stated they do not have a written contract. This is a stark figure and the British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) are using the Good Employment Week 2023 to inform employers and employees to wise up.

It is a legal requirement for all employers to provide a written statement of the terms of employment, (often referred to as a ‘written contract’), on or before employment begins. The research identified that 63% of those who had not been given one had been in employment for over one year.

The British Grooms Association advises all grooms to not start a position of employment without the contract provided in advance of day one; the conversation is always more difficult to have once employment has started. Good Employment Week will educate grooms to what Good Employment looks like. 

 

“It disappointingly appears we have a long way to go before we can say our industry is a place of Good Employment. The first question the HMRC ask when conducting an investigation is evidence of the written contract. By not having one, employers are putting their hands up to adhering to non-compliance. The lack of written contract is often a red flag for other employment issues within the workplace.

Over 4000 contracts have been produced using the EEA Contract Creator online tool, so why are so many employers putting their businesses at risk when an affordable solution exists. I think we are past the point of saying employers aren’t aware that it is a legal requirement!” BGA and EEA Executive Director, Lucy Katan

 

Get involved with Good Employment Week

The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of employing legally, fairly, and kindly, and to take steps toward making our industry a more attractive place to work.

So, take part in “Give Your Staff A Pizza Day” on Friday 24th November - A nationwide event that celebrates the hard work and dedication of those working in the equestrian industry.

 

Find out more about Good Employment Week

 

Accept nothing less

Join us to help make the equestrian industry a place of only Good Employment.

 

If you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our memberships; standard membership is available for less than 50 pence per week. 

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 



NEWS ARCHIVE

More...
Back to news home

 

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