Equestrian Employer’s Survey on the New MNW Effects

For the third year running, the EEA are formulating a response to the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC), National Minimum Wage consultation and are conducting a survey of all equestrian employers running a yard.

On the 1^st April, the rates of all age bands increased There was also a significant change with the age eligibility threshold of the National Living Wage (NLW) being lowered to 21 years.

The new rates are:

The Minimum Wage is not a choice to pay, it is the law and non-compliance is a prosecutable offence. HMRC has already identified the equestrian sector as one of a high level of non-compliance. Due to the publicity by the EEA and other organisations, the awareness of the legal right to be paid NMW in the equestrian industry is the highest it’s ever been.

The Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) is the independent body that advises the Government on the level of the minimum wage. The LPC has been asked to recommend the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates to apply from April 2025. The purpose of the consultation is to gather evidence on the effects the recent increases in the NMW has had on employers.

The EEA says,

Our collective response is so important due to the impact that the rise in the NMW is having on our industry. If this topic matters to you it’s critical that you take part in one of our short surveys to ensure your views are heard.

Employers can have their say here, the survey can be completed in under 10 minutes.