What is a Workplace Pension?

by Kelly Wallace Horne

Since April 2017, it’s compulsory that all eligible employees receive a Workplace Pension as part of their employment contract, and this applies to grooms working in the equine industry. There is still a lot of confusion surrounding Workplace Pensions ie:

who is eligible for one?
who should be paying into one?

We have put together a simple guide researched to answer 10 common questions regarding Workplace Pensions in the equine industry. Our sources are reliable authorities on these matters and they provide much more detailed and official detail for you. They are listed at the bottom of this article. We have summarised some of their instructions for ease and convenience but you must satisfy yourself that you remain compliant with the exact details of what they instruct and advise – obviously we are not pension experts.

In this article we cover:

what is a Workplace Pension?
what does this mean?
who should expect to receive one?

1. What is a Workplace Pension Scheme?

A Workplace Pension scheme helps employees save for their retirement through contributions deducted directly from their wages. The majority of schemes will also provide other benefits, for example, support for the recipients partner in the event of death. If an employee is eligible for automatic enrolment, their employer has to enrol them into the scheme.

In the past, employees had to set up their own personal pension scheme. Now, with the compulsory Workplace Pension most employees are signed up straight away and have to arrange to opt out if they no longer want to pay into the pension scheme. The money paid into the Workplace Pension scheme comes straight out of the employees wages, so it’s already been deducted when salary goes into the bank, just like tax, National Insurance or a student loan repayment.

What is a Workplace Pension - employees who are eligible

2. Who is eligible to receive a Workplace Pension?

Employers must enrol all eligible employees into their Workplace Pension. This is referred to as “automatic enrolment”. Employees will be eligible if:

they work on an employed basis, not a self-employed or freelance groom
they are aged 22 or over
they are under State Pension age
they earn more than £10,000 a year (£192.30 or more gross weekly)
they usually work in the UK

3. Who pays into the Workplace pension? The employer, or the employee?

What is a Workplace Pension - employer contributions Usually both! Unlike other ways of saving, a Workplace Pension means the employee isn’t the only one paying money in. The employer has to contribute too, as long as the employee earns over £6,240 a year (£120 gross weekly). Both the employee and the employer must pay a percentage of the employees earnings into the Workplace Pension scheme.

Employees also get a contribution from the government in the form of tax relief. This means some of the salary that the government would have taken as income tax is paid directly into the Workplace Pension instead.

When an employer automatically enrols an employee into their Workplace Pension scheme, they must write to the employee to inform them of:

the date they’ve added the employee to the pension scheme
the type of pension scheme and who runs it
how much they will contribute and how much the employee will have to pay in
how the employee can leave the scheme should they want to

An employer can delay the date they must enrol a new employee into a pension scheme by up to 3 months, but they must:

tell the employee about the delay in writing
let the employee join the Workplace Pension scheme in the meantime if they ask to

If an employee works part time and earns less than £10,000 employees can still ask to join, in which case the employer can’t refuse the request and must make contributions, but employers are not expected to enrol them automatically.

4. How much is paid into a Workplace Pension?

There is a minimum total amount that has to be contributed by both the employee and the employer, based on your total earnings between £6,240 (£120 gross weekly) and £50,270 a year before tax (£966.73 gross weekly). This is known as “qualifying earnings”. Qualifying earnings include:

salary or wages
bonuses and commission
overtime
statutory sick pay
statutory maternity, paternity or adoption pay

What is a Workplace Pension - plan for your retirement So, for example, if a Groom earns £450 gross weekly (£23,400 a year), the contribution would be a percentage of £17,160 (the difference between £6,240 and £23,400).

As of April 2022 the minimum amount required to pay in has been 5% from the Groom and 3% from the employer.

Some employers apply the minimum pension contribution to the whole of the employee’s earnings, not just to qualifying earnings. This depends on how the Workplace Pension scheme is set up.

To offer a very basic example, each payday:

the employee puts in £40
the employer puts in £30
the employee gets £10 “tax relief” – £10 is deducted from income tax and paid into the Workplace Pension instead

A total of £80 goes into the employees pension.

In simpler terms: for a groom aged 25 or over who earns the National Living Wage of £9.50 and works a 5.5 day/44-hour week (£412 gross per week), the groom will contribute £14.90, their employer will contribute £8.94 per week, making a combined contribution of £23.84 to the Workplace Pension scheme (based on the qualifying portion of the salary). You can work out the contribution on any salary using the Money Advice Service Workplace Pension Contribution calculator here.

Employers:

Pension contributions are an allowable business expense, so you will also receive tax relief on the contributions you make to your employees Workplace Pension. You can read more on this by clicking here.

Grooms:

If you are not sure whether you pay Workplace Pension contributions on qualifying earnings or on full earnings, talk to your employer. Your employer will let you know how much of your earnings you need to contribute. They might tell you this as a sum of money or as a percentage. If they give you a percentage, you can find out what it means in pounds and pence using the Workplace Pension Contribution Calculator provided by The Money Advice Service by clicking here.

5. When and how are the Workplace Pension contributions paid?

Once an employee is automatically enrolled, contributions to the Workplace Pension will start straight away. Employer’s deduct the employees contribution directly from the employees pay, whether the salary period is weekly, monthly, or four weekly. This means that the employee doesn’t have to budget for the contribution out of their “take-home” salary, as when they receive their wages the pension contribution has already been paid.

6. How does the Workplace Pension work when an employee has more than one job?

If an employee has more than one job, each job is treated separately for automatic enrolment purposes. This means an employee might be enrolled on more than one Workplace Pension scheme, and this is fine.

Each employer will check whether the employee is eligible to join their pension scheme and will automatically enrol the employee into their Workplace Pension scheme.

If you work any of your part time jobs on a self-employed or freelance basis you will not be eligible for a Workplace Pension for that particular workplace. You can read more about pensions for self-employed and freelance workers below.

Grooms:

If you don’t want to be a member of more than one scheme you can choose to opt out of one of them, but you don’t have to. You can pay into more than one pension scheme if you want to.

Important info:

What is a Workplace Pension - plan to retire If you earn more than £6,240 (£120 gross weekly) but less than £10,000 (£192.30 gross weekly) in any of your jobs you won’t be automatically enrolled in that employer’s pension scheme, but you can ask to join and your employer cannot refuse you.

Bear in mind that if you earn less than £6,240 a year (£120 gross weekly) in ALL of your part time jobs you won’t be automatically enrolled on any pension scheme, and you may not have sufficient pension to live on when you reach retirement age – it pays to think and do some calculations ahead! You want to be able to enjoy your retirement with your horses, not still be having to work to make ends meet! NB: In this situation, you can still ask to join your employers’ pension schemes and they cannot refuse you, but your employer doesn’t have to contribute.

Use the Workplace Pension Contribution Calculator provided by The Money Advice Service to check what the pension situation is for each of your part time jobs. Remember, information for each job must be put into the calculator separately – don’t add your salaries together or you’ll get the wrong result! Go to the calculator by clicking here.

7. What happens to the Workplace Pension when an employee changes jobs?

It’s important to know what happens to a Workplace Pension when the employee leaves a job and starts a new one. This is largely the employee’s responsibility as the employer’s obligations have ended with the termination of the employment contract.

Grooms:

What you do about your pension when you change jobs depends on what types of Workplace Pension schemes you’ve been enrolled on.

It’s very important to keep records of the pension providers your employers have enrolled you through. The pension belongs to you, not your employers, so you need to be in the know! Always ask each of your employers for the details of their Workplace Pension scheme and keep it safe, even after you’ve left your job with them!

When you leave a job you may choose to:

leave your pension in your old employer’s scheme to be paid to you when you retire
transfer your pension to a new Workplace Pension scheme with your new employer
transfer your pension to a personal pension that you manage yourself

What is a Workplace Pension - Moving your pension to a new job

If you worked at your job for less than 2 years before leaving, you may be able to get a refund on what you’ve contributed. Check with your employer or the pension scheme provider.

Always speak to the Workplace Pension provider (the pension company, not your employer/former employer) about your options when leaving a job – the options available to you will differ depending on the particular pension provider your employer has used. If necessary, you can also get independent advice on your options. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau provide information on gaining independent financial advice here.

The Money Advice Service website has guidance on what to do if you are thinking about transferring a pension at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

Don’t forget to let your old pension provider know where you are if you change address later on. It’s easy to lose touch and this can make things more difficult when you retire and need your pension!

8. How do self-employed workers receive a Workplace Pension?

If a worker is self-employed, or works for someone else on a self-employed/freelance basis, the client (who would otherwise be the employer) has no Workplace Pension responsibilities, and it is entirely the worker’s responsibility to set up their own pension. Saving for your retirement is very important, so don’t overlook this critical part of ‘future proofing’. It’s important that self-employed and freelance workers find out about paying into a personal pension scheme. You can read more on this from The Money Advice Service here.

9. What if an employee has already got a pension?

An employee can have more than one pension scheme, so enrolling on a Workplace Pension scheme is not affected by any other pensions already held.

10. What if I don’t want to pay into a Workplace Pension?

Employers:

All employers have to automatically enrol their eligible workers into a Workplace Pension, this isn’t something you can opt out of.

As an employer you cannot:

unfairly dismiss or discriminate against an employee for being in a Workplace Pension scheme
encourage or force an employee to opt out of the Workplace Pension

It is well worth noting failure to automatically enrol eligible employees for a Workplace Pension can incur fines, plus you will have to pay backdated payments into your employees’ Workplace Pension schemes which, over time, can run into thousands of pounds. Your employees will also have to make backdated contributions. We can all agree, this is not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in!

If your employee asks to opt out of your Workplace Pension scheme it’s advisable that you don’t simply act upon the outcome of a casual chat – get everything in writing.

NB: If an employee works part time and earns less than £10,000 they can still ask to join your Workplace Pension scheme, and you can’t refuse them.

If an employee has opted out of the Workplace Pension scheme you are required to automatically re-enrol them into the scheme every 3 years (from the date you first enrolled them) if they’re still eligible for it. This is a legal requirement. You must write to the employee when you do this, and the employee can leave the scheme again, but only after you’ve re-enrolled them, not before.

The Pensions Regulator website (part of www.gov.uk) has some very useful tools that will help you to find the information you need, with simple Question and Answer forms that will walk you through to the relevant information that is specific to you. You can find these tools by clicking here.

Grooms:

You can opt out of your employer’s Workplace Pension scheme after you’ve been enrolled, but if you do, you’ll lose out on your employer’s contribution to your pension, as well as the government’s contribution in the form of tax relief. You may also find yourself without an adequate pension to live on when you reach retirement age!

For most people, staying in a Workplace Pension is a good idea, especially as your employer must contribute to it as well. The contribution your employer makes to your pension is part of your overall salary package – so opting out is a bit like turning down pay!

There are circumstances in which it might make sense to opt out, for example, if you’re dealing with unmanageable debt. It’s not a good idea to opt out purely so you have more disposable income each week/month!

What is a Workplace Pension - Keep paying into a pension fund

How can an employee leave (or “opt out”) of the Workplace Pension?

Your employer will have sent you a letter telling you that you’ve been added to the scheme and you can opt out at any time, if you want to:

ask the company that provides your employer’s Workplace Pension scheme for an opt-out form. Ask your employer for the details you need.
You must then return your completed form to your employer, not to the people who run the scheme.
If you opt out within a month of being added to the scheme, you’ll get back any money you’ve already paid in.
You may not be able to get your payments refunded if you opt out later – they’ll usually stay in your pension until you retire.
You can opt out by contacting the pension provider. Your employer must tell you how to do this.

NB: Your employer is required to automatically re-enrol you in the scheme every 3 years (from the date you were first enrolled) if you’re still eligible for the Workplace Pension scheme. This is a legal requirement and they’ll write to you when they do this. You can leave the scheme again, but only after you’ve been re-enrolled.

Can I reduce my payments into the Workplace Pension?

You may be able to reduce the amount you contribute to your Workplace Pension for a short time. Check with both your employer and your pension provider to see if you can do this and how long you can do it for.

Can I opt back into a Workplace Pension?

You can do this at any time by writing to your employer. They are not legally obliged to accept you back into their workplace scheme if you’ve opted in and then opted out in the past 12 months, so make sure you really want to opt out before making any bold moves.

Sources and further reading

The Government website gives more detail on Workplace Pensions here.

The Money Advice Service gives more detail on Workplace Pensions here.

The Citizens Advice Bureau gives more details on Workplace Pensions here.

Use the Money Advice Service Workplace Pension Contribution calculator here.

Self-employed and freelance workers can find out more on the Government website about the different types of private pension here.

For employers, Pru Adviser gives further information about business tax relief on pension contributions here.

Both employers and employees can contact ACAS for information and advice on any matter regarding employment. You can find contact details for ACAS here.

All information is correct at the time of publishing this article (February 2019). This article offers basic guidelines, and we always advise you to consult financial and pension experts before acting.

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SF Equine Ltd – Steven Franks

Live in Live out Surrey, UK

Head Groom / Yard manager A fantastic opportunity to work on a professional show jumping yard in the Surrey hills. We are seeking a very valued member who takes pride in their work and prioritises the care of the horses. To include all normal stable duties such as mucking out, lunging, tacking up, loading the horse walker, field turnout, clipping and managing day to day running of the yard. Option to ride if competent with fit, competition horses. We travel to national and International shows including Spanish tours. Must be confident handling fit, competition horses and stallions and to be able to take sole charge at times. We are looking for someone enthusiastic, responsible, reliable and hardworking to join our fun and friendly team. Must be willing to turn out to high standards. Clipping and plaiting would be an advantage but could be taught. An opportunity to join a fantastic team of horses and people. Purpose built modern indoor yard with great facilities. 5 day week. 7.30am to 5.15 with breaks and cake. Attractive salary with bonuses for loyalty and progression. This can be discussed further upon assessment of applicants CV. Flexible days off and paid holiday entitlement. Can be more home based if the candidate prefers as our other members of staff are flexible. Sole accommodation in a modern park lodge with private decking and views if required. Applicant can also live out if local. Previous staff members recommend and generally have stayed with us for many years. Minimum Requirements Experience with competition horses a bonus HGV is a bonus but not essential Accommodation details Residential Lodge Benefits Possibility of own horses for the right candidate Great opportunity to work with a variety of horses for a successful show jumping rider.

JL117203 Cheshire, Northwich – Part Time, Live Out Groom and Instructor Required for Family Yard

Feldy Green Cottage

Live out Cheshire, UK

Job Description We looking for a a part time groom to look after our horse and two ponies and to also help our two children (8 year old boy and 3 year old girl) with there riding skills. Minimum Requirements Experience in teaching young children to ride. Drivers licence would be preferable to support with pony club events. Self starting Accommodation details Stable and access to an arena for horse is available. Benefits To Be Agreed, but terms will be favourable

JL110577 The Midlands – HGV Competition Groom/Rider (optional) Required. Young Rider Show Jumping yard

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out West Midlands, UK

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED *Salary IRO £40k totally negotiable depending on experience plus accommodation *Sponsorship available to suitably qualified non UK citizens *Partner, own horse and pets welcomed (but this is a role with lots of travelling home and internationally) Show Jumping Competition Groom required for a vacancy with a very ambitious and competitive family. Must be an experienced Show Groom in the UK and Internationally with an established referenceable record. Rider is a bonus but certainly not essential. Experienced driving 26t+ lorries and ideally articulated is key. 18 quality jumping horses and homebred/other young stock destined for a career in SJ/jumping all kept in top accommodation to the highest standards. Nice, flexible accommodation Great team environment with a young, energetic, motivated and progressive team. Top-class facilities Fairly flexible on the number of days worked, can work around anything between 5 and 6 but obviously will be straight through when away at shows You will be well looked after and treated as the professional you have worked hard to become in this very inclusive environment. Must have experience with handling stallions. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL108865 Germany – Calling all those with an adventurous spirit who would like to turbocharge their CVs?

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Germany

If you have an EU or German passport or the necessary immigration status plus an adventurous spirit and would like to turbocharge your CV – we would like you to get in touch soonest *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge *Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered *Short-term contract positions (6-9 months available), as well as long-term jobs, are available *This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class performance horse yard/ auction site/ sales/youngstock /sales and competition yards and on the same employer’s Stud & AI laboratory (during the Stud season) . The Stud role during the season has 2 key elements: to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and insemination, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horse people. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you choose at home and abroad. Outside of the season you may well work with young horses/competition horses/auction bound horses etc etc whatever you r preference vs the yards requirements at the time. All up for discussion. This really does offer a rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance, after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), and the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency, does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19 – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster. This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL117026 Lanarkshire – Head/Home Groom with Riding, International Dressage Yard

Robyn Smith Dressage

Live in Live out Lanarkshire

Job Description This is a very specific role where it is important to find the right person as our yard is our home, our horses are our pride and joy and it is a position of great responsibility. We are looking for a full time, home groom to report directly to the owners and take sole charge/ care as required. We run a small, family yard with very high standards and attention to detail. Our horses range from broodmares and foals to our international Grand Prix dressage stallion as well as horses at various stages in between. We also take in a limited number of horses for training throughout the year. All usual yard duties and responsibilities are required in the running of the yard day to day as well as the specific needs of performance horses and broodmares and foals. Occasional help away at single day shows may be required but this role is primarily focussed on the health and happiness of all our horses at home, ensuring all of their needs are met. We pride ourselves in giving our horses the best care possible with no detail being too big or small and would like to find someone with the same ethos. Given the sole charge nature of this role, the ideal candidate will be someone who is happy working off their own motivation and does not rely on the “buzz’ of a large team around them day to day. Live in/ Live out as required. Whilst care will be the primary role the ability to assist with hacking, lunging and basic exercise is required particularly for when we are away at shows so a competent rider used to fit competition horses is preferred. Training as to how we do things and to refine skills will of course be provided. Please get in touch for a fully detailed job specification.

JL116974 Hertfordshire – Live in or out Home and Competition Groom/Exercise Rider, (optional). Eventing.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Hertfordshire, UK

*IRO £26K-£30K pa * beautiful, on site Accommodation available * Opportunity to travel to competitions *Small dog possible This is a lovely position to work alongside an owner/2* Event Rider and other team members at home but sole charge at competitions. The horses kept include 2x Novice horses, 2 x 2** event horses & 2 retirees. This position would suit someone with experience at the level and in the discipline. with initiative, enthusiasm, a GSOH OR a decent home Groom who would like to transition to become a competition Groom and is willing and able to learn the ropes. You should be able to: Work in a team and or take sole charge at home Sole charge at competitions (UK venues) Perform all aspects of stable management Provide a first-class standard of care, with a high level of attention to detail Turn out to a high standard Hack out, fit competition horses. Call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

JL116968 East Sussex – Groom/Rider (optional) for an International Dressage Rider.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out East Sussex, UK

* Remuneration negotiable IRO £25K pa (no accommodation charges and no bills) *Horse considered *Dog considered * Partner considered Lovely, professional Dressage Team is looking for a Groom/Rider (optional) for an International Dressage Rider. The soonest start required. This is a sole charge home and sometimes away position (competition Groom skills required) in a quiet yard with a small team so you must be someone who is happy with that and doesn’t need a large ‘buzzy’ team around them. You must be capable of sole charge/have good turnout skills /reliability and commitment/trustworthiness. Riding is offered if capable and training can be provided to develop also. The Rider competes mostly in the UK so you would be required to attend shows and perform competition Groom duties so prior experience in this area is preferable. The furnished accommodation is beautiful, a ground floor flat barn conversion with a garden. (Photos available for suitable candidates). These employers are proud members of the EEA and pride themselves on being at the forefront of good employment practices. Please call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

JL116773 Hertfordshire, Rickmansworth – Live Out Groom/Rider (optional) required for mixed discipline Livery Yard

Rosehall Farm

Live out Hertfordshire, UK

Job Description All usual daily yard duties. Minimum Requirements Looking for reliable team player that is hard working, enjoys working as part of a team. Some experience required but happy to train the right person. Must have good communication skills and happy to deal with livery clients. Accommodation details N/A Benefits Friendly, happy yard environment, training given, work as part of a fantastic team that has lots of experience and energy. Good rates of pay.

JL103713 Germany. Warmblood sport horses – Experienced or less experienced Stud and or AI laboratory Staff required.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Germany

Add considerable experience to your CV – why not consider as a short-term contract position (6-9 months available) as well as long-term jobs. If you have an EU or German passport, an adventurous spirit and would like to show what you are capable of or add to your CV, then this could be for you! *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge * Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered. One of the most professional performance horse yards in the world is looking to add to its team with two key Stud Roles to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and inseminations, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horsepeople. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you chose in the future both at home and abroad. A rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance, after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency, does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19 – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster. This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it. Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL116385 Cambridgeshire – Permanent, experienced team Groom/Rider for established and traditional Hunting yard.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Cambridgeshire, UK

Cambridgeshire – Permanent, experienced team Groom/Rider for established and traditional Hunting. *IRO £22K+accommodation (pay own electricity) *warm, cosy 1-bed apartment *Dog welcomed *Lots of riding on big, fit hunters *Great for experienced Groom or a chance to get some proper Hunt Yard experience on your CV! Lovely position available on a well-established, traditional family hunt yard within a beautiful estate. Fun, professional team renowned for being great at what they do. You will work hard but be treated well and have a very rewarding job! The position involves all grooming duties to a good standard. Lots of riding is available but you must be a strong confident good jockey, (horses ranging from 15.2-18.2HH and are fit and well). You will be taught to clip, plait (sew plaits) etc but if you already possess these skills even better. 5.5 days a week (Sunday off and half a day in the week) Hours are 6.30- 12. 30 and then just 1.5 hours in the afternoon (1.00 pm). Great facilities/menage/lunge pen/500 acres/excellent hacking. Call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL116009 Gloucestershire, between Cirencester and Cheltenham – Live Out, Sole Charge Groom/Rider for Amateur Rider (Eventing, Dressage)

Withington Manor

Live out Gloucestershire, UK

Job Description Self-employed groom sought 3-5 hours a day, generally 5 days a week, to care for and manage three competition horses in a private yard between Cirencester and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (GL54) We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable, efficient, trustworthy person. The person needs to be capable of sole charge, with high standards and a good level of equine management, including fitness, and riding skills for hacking and schooling. Ability to clip, plait, and turn out to show/event standard is required. The role is for someone who is a good communicator, open minded to occasional equine complementary therapy, and adaptable to usual competition flexibility, with a sense of humour. Whilst there are usually people around, initiative and responsibility is required The person will be responsible for organising and booking the diary, for lessons, farrier, vaccinations, chiropractor, dentist, training and event schedules, alongside rider support. Minimum Requirements Average hours are 3 – 5 hours a day, minimum of 2, but need to be flexible and event days will be longer hours. There is an opportunity of additional work, alongside this role, in a large attached livery yard. Self employment required. This is a lovely and cheerful environment, with lovely horses, who are very much cherished, excellent facilities and outstanding hacking. Possibility of stabling your own horse on site. ***Start date is flexible – can start any time between now and June 2024, please contact and discuss***

JL113920 Hampshire, Nr Hook – Rider/Groom/Instructor (no formal qualifications required). Family Yard.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Hampshire, UK

*Salary £35,000 PA depending on experience and qualifications.*5 day week *Horse welcomed *Discretionary, generous end of year bonus *Overtime available *Very interesting role We have placed several staff with these employers over the years and most are still in situ with the feedback in all respects extremely positive. ‘Lovely family, a great place to work, nice people, more than fair remuneration Exciting Role on a small yard of 10 rare breed/schoolmaster horses for a really lovely private HNW family. The family reside in the UK seasonally and now needs an accomplished, calm, confident, self-starter with a passion for high standards of horse care and VIP client interactions to join the team. The daily role is inclusive of completing all yard jobs to a high standard, and exercising the horses both under saddle and in the carriage (opportunity to learn to carriage drive if not currently in your skillset). The horses need to be kept in a manner that keeps the horses suitably trained for their intended purpose and with a high level of turnout and yard. In the season the role is similar to a competition groom role, exciting and dynamic with different requests to fulfil on the main premises inclusive of pony riding, carriage driving, trekking, photoshoots, events and more! The ideal candidate would possess their HGV licence, but at minimum, the candidate will need to be confident driving a 3.5t and towing with a manual car and trailer with a willingness to obtain a HGV with the employer’s sponsorship longer-term. The candidate will need to be flexible regarding hours during the “season” the family are in residence as some events run into the evenings, this time is well remunerated and those that go above and beyond to make the residency period run smoothly are well rewarded with a very generous discretionary bonus at the end of the season. Daily working location is based in Hook, Hampshire, main estate based near Windsor, during the “season” you will be required to work from either/both locations. Could be live-in or live-out position but a relocation package is offered whereby the employer provides allowance for accommodation for 4 months, (giving time to look for own accommodation in the area). Amazing private facilities with space for 20 horses but family have <10 : International sized arena, own gallops and show jumps. Great hacking. Call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

What is a Workplace Pension?

by Kelly Wallace Horne

1. What is a Workplace Pension Scheme?

2. Who is eligible to receive a Workplace Pension?

3. Who pays into the Workplace pension? The employer, or the employee?

4. How much is paid into a Workplace Pension?

Employers:

Grooms:

5. When and how are the Workplace Pension contributions paid?

6. How does the Workplace Pension work when an employee has more than one job?

7. What happens to the Workplace Pension when an employee changes jobs?

Grooms:

8. How do self-employed workers receive a Workplace Pension?

9. What if an employee has already got a pension?

10. What if I don’t want to pay into a Workplace Pension?

Employers:

Grooms:

Sources and further reading

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