Recent Survey by EEA Identifies Minimum Wage Failings

A recent survey by the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) surrounding employment in the British equestrian industry identifies failing with the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Almost half of respondents said they are paid either at or below the NMW but are not being paid overtime or taking time off in lieu (TOIL) for any extra hours worked. Combined with this, the majority said that they regularly work over the stated hours in their contract of employment, with just under half working more than a 50-hour week.

This is concerning as it identifies that nearly half of those surveyed are not being paid in line with legislation, and that their employers are potentially not complying with employment law or obligations.

This highlights the need to raise further awareness amongst employees and for employers to provide them with the tools to help. The EEA is committed to supporting employers with this.

The survey asked respondents to comment on whether they preferred time or money for extra hours worked. The results showed:

• 72% of respondents said that they would rather have money than time off, which with the rise in the cost of living isn’t surprising.
• 60% of these people are paid either at or below the NMW.
• 78% of those preferring TOIL were working over a 40-hour week on average.
• The number of hours worked didn’t seem a factor for those who said they preferred money and varied across the board.

The full survey results and analysis can be seen here.

For further support with the rise in the National Minimum Wage, you can join the EEA here.