Employers

As an employer, it is important to ensure you comply to the law when hiring and looking after your workers. 

code of good employment

The Equestrian Employers' Association have created the 'Code of Good Employment' to guide employers to take ownership of their own governance and offer a framework to develop employment practices and business operations.

• Make it legal
• Pay correctly
• Good management
• Safe workplace

Common areas that employers get wrong:

• Low pay and long hours: many employers get the national minimum wage (NMW) requirements wrong because they pay a basic rate for a specific number of hours without taking into account the overtime worked by the groom. These additional hours also need to be included in any National Minimum Wage calculation.
• There is a general lack of understanding about the Working Time Regulations
• Many employers fail to provide a contract of employment.
• Many employers’ mis-categorise the employment status of those working for them.

National Minimum Wage

It’s a legal obligation to pay the National Minimum Wage and employers who underpay their staff face a fine of 200% of the arrears – so the penalty is high. Consider:

• Use the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator for Employers.
• Maintain comprehensive records for details of working hours, pay rates and any deductions or allowances.
• Keep employee contracts transparent regarding pay rates, working hours and overtime calculations. This will also helps avoid misunderstandings further down the line.
• Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about any aspect of National Minimum Wage compliance. Consult with HR specialists, payroll experts or HMRC directly.

National Minimum Wage as of 1 April 2024:

Age	21 and over	18-20	Under 18	Apprentice
Wage	£11.44	£8.60	£6.40	£6.40

 

Increases in the National Minimum Wage can cause difficulties for many businesses, especially those who are already under financial pressure, but there are things you can do to help meet the demand:

• Streamline the daily running of your business, for example, reduce staff hours where possible, without compromising equine welfare standards. Be aware this requires clear conversations with your employees and changes to contracts.
• Cut business expenses, for example, consider switching energy suppliers and turn off lights, appliances and machinery when not required. Review insurance providers and policies at renewal time – do you have the most appropriate and economical cover in place?
• Consider buying second-hand equipment when possible.
• Increase costs of your service offerings. Make sure to communicate with your clients so they know what to expect and explain why the rise is necessary.

Maximum working hours

According to the ‘working time regulations’, staff cannot work more than an average of 48 hours a week over a 17 week period, although, they can choose to opt-out of the 48 hour work week. For those under 18, it is no more than an average of 40 hours a week over a 17 week period.

Find out more about maximum weekly working hours.

Ensure you have sufficient paid staff to complete all work required whilst building in substantial breaks during the day.

ABRS+

ABRS+ host webinars open to both members and non-members which are free to attend. Topics include running a business, volunteers and planning for the future.

• See upcoming webinars and events to support your equestrian business here. 
• See past webinars on ABRS+ youtube. 

Becoming a member of ABRS+ can have many benefits, including full membership to the Equestrian Employers Association to support all of your employment, HR, health and safety and business needs as well as a free legal helpline.

British Horse Society

All centres approved by the BHS have an allocated Business Support Manager who is based in their region to support them with any queries or questions they may have. This means each centre has a designated person who will be at the end of the phone or available to come and visit you.

Being a BHS Approved Centre also means that you get access to –

• Regular free online sessions across a variety of topics
• Access to a legal support helpline
• Access to an Employer and HR guidance, documents, and advice through the LawAssure service

The BHS is also able to provide templates and guidance on documentation required by Local Authorities for the Licencing of Riding Centres.

Useful information

Hiring an apprentice can have many benefits to your business and is an opportunity to help grow the equestrian workforce. Find out more about hiring an apprentice.

More information and advice for employers withi. the equestrian industry available on The Grooms List.

For more support and advice, visit the Equestrian Employers Association website.

See our ‘Support for Employers’ page for resources and guidance available through our member bodies and other organisations.