Is it time to name and shame non-payers?
Grooms highlight the importance of having the right employment status
GROOMS being left without payment is one more example of the importance of employment status, an expert has warned.
A freelancer, who did not want to be named, contacted H&H to ask what can be done when employers refuse to pay.
“I’ve worked hard for clients to make sure my name is well-known and good,” the groom told H&H.
“At what point can we start naming and shaming? What else can we do to get our money? Most people know grooms do it as a passion, but we still need to live!”
The groom cited a rider who “gave me my P45” when she asked for time off as a family member was ill, then did not pay her for a further week she worked for him. The other was an “old friend”, who over-paid for one month’s work but paid nothing for the second.
Lucy Katan, founder and executive director of the British Grooms Association (BGA) and the Equestrian Employers Association, told H&H many such disputes arise from incorrect employment status.
“It’s rife in our industry,” she said. “So many people tell staff they’re self-employed when they’re not, which is wrong, and risky.
“Individuals and employers could have to pay unpaid tax or penalties if the status is wrong.”
Ms Katan said grooms share responsibility with employers.
“The employer’s dodging tax as he’s not going through PAYE and the groom’s dodging it because you pay less tax if you’re selfemployed, so it’s very frowned upon by the taxman.”
She said for non-payment, freelancers should take the small claims court route. Employed grooms must contact HMRC.
“If there’s evidence the work’s been delivered and the invoice submitted, you will win,” she said.
“But employers: if you don’t pay and end up in court, there’s every chance other areas of your business could be highlighted.”
British Horse Society (BHS) membership director Emma
Day said: “The equine industry contains many self-employed individuals, and it is important written contracts are in place to protect employer and employee.
“[This applies] even if you are working on a short-term contract, or for friends. There is a lot of guidance on how to draw up contracts online or through equine memberships, including the BHS’s gold package. Legal advice can also help if matters haven’t gone according to plan.”