Three prominent names from the equestrian world have appeared on the latest list of UK employers who were found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage (NMW) between 2015 and 2021.
Published by the Department for Business and Trade, the list includes over 500 businesses across multiple industries and is based on historic cases investigated by HMRC. It does not necessarily reflect current practices.
As reported by the British Grooms Association, All three equestrian employers have repaid the full amounts owed, and in some cases, the errors were unintentional administrative oversights linked to complex pay structures or changing wage bands.
The British Grooms Association (BGA) understands that at least one case was linked to a misunderstanding involving a livery perk. This highlights how easily unintentional errors can occur in an industry where employment arrangements are often complex.
Common Causes of Underpayment
The BGA continues to raise awareness around employment law and the rights of grooms, offering direct support to both employees and employers. Many NMW breaches are caused not by deliberate actions, but by avoidable errors, such as:
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Failing to update pay rates when an employee changes age band
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Unpaid overtime
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Incorrect apprenticeship rates
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Overcharging for accommodation
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Misunderstanding benefits or perks that may impact wage calculations
“We understand that employment in the equestrian world can be incredibly complex, and that sometimes unintentional errors are made,” said Lucy Katan MBE, Executive Director of the BGA.
“The most important thing is that underpayments are corrected, and that proper systems are put in place to avoid future issues. This isn’t about blame—it’s about continuous improvement across the industry.”
Support for Employers: Getting It Right
The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) offers a wide range of resources to help employers understand and meet their legal obligations. From contract templates and employment guides to payroll support and access to HMRC-endorsed training, the EEA supports yards in running professional, compliant operations.
Their Fair Work and Pay Hub, delivered in partnership with the BGA, also provides guidance and helplines for employers who need help understanding NMW compliance, record keeping, and hours tracking.
Paying the correct NMW rate for every hour worked is not optional—it is the law. Mistakes can result in financial penalties, reputational damage, and HMRC enforcement.
Raising Standards: A Call to Action for Yard Owners and Teams
To help raise standards across the industry and avoid falling foul of legislation, yard owners and managers are strongly encouraged to join the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA). Membership gives access to a full suite of tools, legal resources, and expert advice to ensure you remain compliant with employment law, including wage regulations.
Equally, grooms and yard staff should be supported in joining the British Grooms Association (BGA), the professional body representing equestrian employees. Membership offers legal advice, workplace support, welfare information, and a voice within the industry.
By working together through the EEA and BGA, employers and employees alike can build stronger, fairer, and more professional workplaces across the equestrian world.