BEF launches Good Employment web hub

"We have been working with the BEF for many months now regarding the pressing need to focus on Good Employment in our equestrian workplaces. The launch of this new web hub signals the beginning of the end of illegal and sub-standard employment practices in our industry.

It would be naïve to think that this web page alone will resolve the widespread issues that we still learn about daily. However, it is a marked change of pace, and together with strong advocacy from the BEF, the culture will change.

The EEA offers all the tools and guidance required to adhere to Good Employment. Membership is purposely priced to be affordable, and with over 4,000 contracts of employment produced using our bespoke online tools, they are proven to be fit for purpose.

Not only is it a legal requirement, but also a moral one to employ staff correctly. The days have now passed where an employer could successfully avoid paying at least  the National Minimum Wage , allocate the incorrect employment status, ignore insurance legislation, and not issue a written contract on, or before, the first day of employment.

Employers who do not pay the NMW run the risk of being named on the HMRC Naming List and this will be shared with the equestrian industry as it is released. The onus is on employers to manage their employment and HR practices correctly and the EEA is here to help you.

The ‘Good Employers’ are being undercut by the yard ‘up the road’ that operates their staffing fraudulently. This must stop as it is deeply damaging to our staff and the health of our equestrian businesses.

Integrity is critical.

As the momentum increases regarding our social license, the focus will narrow on the integrity of our equestrian businesses and riders. Compliance with Good Employment practices will be key to ensure that this integrity is upheld.

We look forward to working through the plans and advocacy vision of our industry becoming a place of only Good Employment with the BEF". Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the EEA.

“Our equestrian workforce is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals so it’s our priority to ensure everyone is treated fairly and continues to enjoy working within our sector. By offering advice for every level of the workforce, we hope to encourage new members to join the equestrian community, helping to resolve lack of workforce issues demonstrated in recent research.” Lynne Bailey, British Equestrian’s Head of Governance and Integrity.