Survey finds many equestrian grooms still work illegally despite some progress

# What the survey found A British Grooms Association (BGA) survey of working pupils, apprentices and grooms in training identifies persistent, concrete employment problems across the equestrian sector. The survey reports that 72% of respondents work more than 40 hours a week. Sixty-four percent have no written contract and 67% are not given payslips. Seventy-seven percent do not receive their statutory holiday entitlement. More than half are not paid at least the national minimum wage (NMW).

These figures point to routine breaches of employment law affecting people who are supposed to be in on-the-job training roles.

# Why 'working pupil' is problematic The report highlights that "working pupil" is not a legally recognised employment status. Training may be provided alongside employment, but it normally cannot be offered in place of wages. The report states: "training cannot generally be offered in place of wages, and workers should not bear training costs in a way that causes their pay to fall below the NMW."

# Progress and measures already underway BGA chief executive Lucy Katan says awareness of the law has increased and conditions are improving in some areas. She cites the Equestrian Employers Association, which has helped create 5,500 contracts for staff. Katan also notes improved recognition of grooms at high-profile events such as the World Championships.

Katan's assessment: there are fewer of the historically common 'working pupil' positions, but poor employment arrangements still occur where training is used as a substitute for proper pay.

# Wider research and sector response

Hartpury director of research Jane Williams said the partnership will "create the evidence to inform workforce development and help build a more sustainable, inclusive sector."

# Practical implications for employers and trainees Employers who provide legitimate training alongside employment must still meet statutory employment duties: provide written contracts, issue payslips, ensure statutory holiday, and pay at least the NMW. Employers should not offset training costs by reducing wages below the legal minimum.

# What to watch next Look for the results of the British Equestrian and Hartpury University workforce survey for more detailed, sector-wide data on recruitment, retention and training. Also monitor guidance or enforcement activity around the NMW and the legality of pay-and-training arrangements for trainee roles.

The BGA survey makes the legal expectations clear and points to steps that employers and researchers are taking, but it also shows that everyday practice in many yards still falls short of statutory employment standards.