HMRC names equestrian businesses

Five equestrian businesses have been named by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for historic non-compliance of the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Non-compliance with the NMW is when an employer fails to pay their employees in line with the government's National Minimum Wage legislation.

Paying the correct NMW rate for every hour worked is not a choice, it is the law and failure to comply can be costly.

Grooms who are paid incorrectly can report their employer to the HMRC. This will not only benefit future grooms at that yard, but also help to move the equestrian industry towards a place of only Good Employment.

Before taking the step to report an employer the groom should first raise the issue with their employer, giving them the opportunity to rectify the situation. There is great advice about how to avoid underpayment and keeping records for evidence within our wages guide.

The HMRC investigates employers who are reported for non-compliance of the NMW. Their investigation can go back up to 6 years and include all the employees at that yard, during that time. Employers can face financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment!

The HMRC pass the list of fined employers to the DBT and they periodically release a list of those that have been prosecuted. It is then in the public domain. 

The Government released the latest list, detailing more than 500 companies who have failed to pay their staff the NMW. Please note these are historic cases that occurred between 04/05/2015 to 19/07/2019. 

The list can often feature historical cases and it should be noted that this is the first list released since Covid and includes the following equestrian employers: 

We are aware that at least one of these employers has changed their employment practices in line with Good Employment. If you need guidance please become a member of the Equestrian Employers Association.

The HMRC recognises the problems within the equestrian industry and is actively pursuing reports of non-compliance with the NMW.

Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, the government has been clear that anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it, and that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.

Read the Government's full press release; 'Over 500 companies named for not paying minimum wage'.

Are you paid correctly?

Confused about your wages and the NMW? Members can call the BGA team for advice and have access to a library of guidance on the website. Visit the BGA’s NMW guide here

NEED HELP?

Use our BGA Wage Checker if you are unsure whether you are currently being paid the National Minimum Wage.

If you're not a member yet, find out more about the benefits and how we can support you: 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS