Call 0203 006 5730 / 07747 686118 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

4 common pitfalls when employing staff and how to avoid them!

4 Common pitfalls of employing staff

and how to avoid them

This week’s blog is for all those interested in knowing more about the facts about employing staff; in particular, matters concerning employee wages, accommodation charges, holiday entitlements and finally sick pay, income tax, national insurance and pensions.

Linda Hudson has in the last 10 years worked in both college and private training organisations and now kindly offers us all a short review with some handy hints, tips and links for good measure!

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Don't fall inThe information provided is given in good faith, but do ensure that the information you are working to is correct and appropriate for your specific circumstances and double-check with a suitably qualified professional.

Linda possesses that rare ability which most of us appreciate, which is to be able to demystify the nuts and bolts of a normally quite complicated subject in just about the time it would take you to make and drink a nice cup of coffee. Time well spend these days on both counts I am sure you’d agree.

Thanks, Linda.

Caroline

 


Keeping employing staff simple

by Linda Hudson

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Employment LawWhen I was Autumn hunting many years ago I saw a bad accident caused by a ‘blind ditch’ and it left me with a fear of riding at speed across Autumn long grass which has remained with me to this day.  As many of you will know, at this time of year the long grass falls over, or into, little ditches and they become ‘blind’ or hidden.  An accident waiting to happen.

Being unaware of the law as it relates to us when employing staff can cause the same kind of sudden mishap.  Most equine employers intend to stay on the right side of the law but, as the old saying goes, ‘ignorance is no defence’ when you get it wrong.  When you are an employer there are quite a few ‘blind ditches’, or pitfalls as you might call them, that are easy to stumble into as time passes. Here are a few hints on what to watch out for if you employ anyone – including apprentices.

 

Pitfall 1:

Miscalculating wages

You will have heard of the National Minimum Wage, and you should also be aware of the National Living Wage because this falls into minimum wage legislation.  Did you know, though, that there are now five minimum wage rates?  Or that the apprentice minimum wage doesn’t apply to an apprentice who is aged 19 or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship?

These rates below are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April. In recent years, several equine employers have fallen foul of this legislation quite unintentionally and some fines have been in the tens of thousands of pounds – enough to put many equine businesses out of business!  Equine employers have been publicly ‘named and shamed’ by Government after HMRC investigations for breaches of this legislation amounting to as little as under £300 underpayment of their staff.

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Keeping track of hours workedHandy Tip number 1: have a system so that you can keep an accurate record of hours actually worked by your staff (as opposed to contracted hours) and check this regularly.  This allows you to pick up issues such as if a member of staff is struggling with an excessive workload or someone is staying at work unnecessarily after their own tasks have been completed and is counting this voluntary overtime in their own working time records.

Handy Tip number 2:  Be clear about what constitutes working time and what doesn’tfor example, if you invite your apprentice to accompany you to a show during their time off, for the experience, but you don’t expect them to work as your main show grooms are in attendance.  Even something as simple as making sure your employees understand that their lunch break is unpaid and doesn’t count towards working hours is important especially if they are a young apprentice and this is their first employed position.  Voluntarily staying late (different from being asked to stay late) needs to be managed carefully.

 

Minimum wage rates 1st April 2021 – 31st March 2022

Year 23 and over       21 to 22   18 to 20    16-17          Apprentice
April 2023       £10.42       £10.18   £7.49     £5.28             £5.28

 


Apprentices

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Apprentice WageApprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

  • aged under 19
  • aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Example An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £5.28.

 

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:

  • are aged 19 or over
  • have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Example An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £10.18.

It’s an employer’s responsibility to be aware of the different minimum wage rates depending on the circumstances of their workers – and to make sure all eligible workers are paid at least the minimum rate they are entitled to.

Handy Tip Number 3: know your employee’s age and birthday.  It’s a very nice gesture to give them a birthday card, but it’s essential to ensure you are paying the correct minimum wage!

 

Pitfall 2:

Knowing when and how to legally charge employees for their accommodation

When employing staff on a live-in basis and providing accommodation, it is important to consider whether you wish to make a deduction from wages for this or not and, if so, how much.  Providing accommodation as part of a wage and benefits package can be helpful with regard to minimum wage calculations as a nominal value (accommodation offset rate) can be included towards the minimum wage.

The MAXIMUM accommodation charge which can be deducted from an apprentice is the ‘accommodation offset rate’ and is fixed by the government in April each year.  From 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024 it is £63.70 per week or £9.10 per day and is explained more fully here.

Note – this is maximum, and you may choose to deduct less than this but should not deduct more from an apprentice, or any other employee who is receiving the National Minimum/Living Wage.

There is no rule to say that employers must deduct an accommodation charge but if no deduction is made, the offset rate is added to the employee’s wage for the purposes of checking whether the applicable minimum wage is being paid.

It is feasible, though, if the accommodation is free, that the combined wage and benefit in kind could be later construed by HMRC as producing an unexpected tax and/or National Insurance liability later.

The offset rate can be counted towards the minimum wage but of course, the minimum wage itself is a MINIMUM and may be increased if an employer wishes to pay more.  Many equine employers start an apprentice on the minimum wage but increase this as time goes by to reward progress and achievement, which helps with staff job satisfaction and retention.

When it is so difficult to recruit good apprentices another consideration for employers is that if you’re providing accommodation you can advertise your hourly rate of pay at the amount which includes the accommodation charge.  For example, if you are paying £5.28 per hour for a 30 hour week this is £158.40 per week.  Add on the accommodation offset rate of and the job can be advertised at a weekly wage of £222.10, or hourly rate of £7.40.  This may attract more applicants but should, of course, state that there is a deduction for accommodation.  Be careful with this though as you generally can’t pay different hourly rates for staff simply because they don’t live in.

If you provide free accommodation be careful and check with your accountant as in certain circumstances this could lead you to an accidental underpayment of National Insurance contributions or a failure to count your employee as eligible for Statutory Sick Pay – more on this later in the article.

 

Pitfall 3:

Neglecting or getting in a muddle over paid holidays

There is no doubt that it is better for business to give your staff time off – they come back refreshed, rested and with their enthusiasm restored especially after a long hard winter!  But there are things you can do to ensure that staff holidays don’t cause disruption to your business.

All employees, including apprentices, are by law entitled to a total of at least 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave.  There is no additional entitlement for Bank Holidays.  The Government website is especially useful for calculating holiday entitlement for full time, part-time, irregular hours and hourly paid staff.  There is also an easy-to-use calculator for part of a year. You can make use of these online facilities here.

 

Carrying leave over from one leave year to the next

Employees must take at least 4 weeks of statutory leave during the leave year, they may be able to carry over any remaining time off if their employer agrees. So if a worker gets 28 days of holiday, they may be able to carry over up to 8 days. Workers who receive statutory leave don’t have an automatic right to carry leave over to the next holiday year, but employers may agree to it.

Handy Tip number 4: make sure your contract of employment, employment offer letters or staff handbook state the start of your business’s holiday year. For example, does it run from 1st January to 31 December? Or 1 April to 31 March? This is important for making sure that staff do take their allocated holiday within the year.

When employees are unable to take their leave entitlement because they’re already taking time off for different reasons, such as maternity or sick leave, they can carry over some or all of the untaken leave into the next leave year. An employer must allow a worker to carry over a maximum of 4 weeks if the worker is off sick and therefore unable to take their leave.

If an employee chooses not to take statutory annual leave during sick leave, they can carry forward the untaken leave for up to 18 months from the end of the leave year in which the leave arises. This means that if a leave year ends on the 31 December the worker would have 18 months after that date in which to take the annual leave for that year.

Handy Tip number 5: keep a written record of when staff are on holiday – especially odd days!

It can be challenging to organise cover for holidays and Caroline Carter Recruitment can assist with this but the key to effective cover is ensuring your staff give you adequate notice.  If your contract of employment doesn’t state the notice you require, then you can’t insist on it.  It’s usual to ask for at a week’s notice for one or two days’ holiday and two weeks ‘ notice for any more than this.  It is possible to decline holiday requests which don’t meet these criteria or which need to be declined for reasonable needs of the business.  But be wary of this – declining holiday requests is one of the quickest ways to cause your staff to become disenchanted with their job!

Handy Tip number 6: make sure your staff know what notice you expect for holiday requests – ideally in writing in their offer letter and contract of employment or staff handbook

There may be times of the year when you do not permit holidays to be taken.  For example, if you always spend time away competing at a large international event and need all staff on hand to cover the show and home yard, you can state that no annual leave is permitted during this time.  Again, make sure this is in writing and they are aware of it well in advance.  Equally, you can specify that some of the annual holiday entitlement must be taken at a time to suit you.  Christmas and New Year are common examples of this, especially with small, privately run competition yards where the yard owners prefer to cover the yard duties themselves.

There is no legal entitlement to Bank Holidays, including Christmas and New Year.  However, all good employers will ensure that employees are able to spend some of the holiday period at home with their families and/or friends.  Advance notice of what you expect, fair allocation of the days, and advance planning of the rota, are essential for a happy team.

Handy tip number 7: if there are times when you do not allow annual leave to be taken, or when you require some leave to be taken, this should be stated in your contract of employment

 

Pitfall 4:

Overlooking the finer details – sick pay, income tax, national insurance and pensions

Statutory Sick Pay

All employers have to pay Statutory Sick Pay to eligible employees who are absent due to sickness and the rate of SSP is set in April each year.  For April 2023 – 2024 it is £99.35 per week and is paid for up to 28 weeks. Statutory Sick Pay starts after 4 ‘waiting days’ which includes non- working days, i.e. the first 4 days of sickness are unpaid and this includes non-working days.

If an employee earns less than the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contributions (£123 per week from April 2023) they are not eligible to be paid Statutory Sick Pay during sickness absence.

 

 

Income Tax

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Income Tax and National InsuranceThere is a threshold for payment of income tax which is also set in April each year, called the ‘personal allowance’ and it is unlikely that apprentices will be paid above this amount.  Again, the personal allowance is set in April each year and is from April 2023 is £242 per week, £1,048 per month or £12,570 per year. Find out more here.

 

National Insurance

There is a threshold for payment of National Insurance contributions set in April each year called the ‘lower earnings limit’ and from April 2023 – 2024 this is £123 per week, £533 per month, £6,396 per year. Find out more here.

 

Workplace Pensions

Pensions legislation applies to certain employees who earn over £192 per week.  You must enrol and make an employer’s contribution for all staff who:

  • are aged between 22 and the State Pension age
  • earn at least £10,000 a year
  • normally work in the UK (this includes people who are based in the UK but travel abroad for work)

4 common pitfalls of employing staff and how to avoid them - Workplace PensionFrom April 2023 the minimum employer contribution is 3% so if you have an employee who is aged 23 or over and on the National Living Wage of £10.42 for a 5.5-day/44-hour week (£458.48 gross per week) the employer pension contribution would be £13.75 per week.  So it’s not usually the cost of pension contributions that puts employers off, it’s just a lack of time and understanding about how to go about setting one up.  It’s actually quite simple!  So sit down with a coffee and check this out – it will only take you 15 minutes to get to grips with the basics.

Read Caroline Carter Recruitment’s explanation of Workplace Pensions here.

Here’s a guide to working out if you should have a workplace pension scheme – click here.

You can work out the contribution on any salary using the Money Advice Service Workplace Pension Contribution calculator here.

And for a quick and easy guide to setting up a workplace pension scheme here.

 

So for relatively little effort and very little cost, you can give your employees a workplace pension.  This is a really attractive additional benefit which could make all the difference when you’re trying to recruit a good groom.

I hope you’ve found this information useful and interesting – stay safe, stay on the right side of the law and watch out for those blind ditches!!

 

There’s lots of helpful guidance on employing staff available on the Government website –  www.gov.uk  – and I’ve included links to some of these.   If you think you may be breaking any of this guidance you should take advice from your qualified legal advisor or accountant.

If in doubt, take advice from a suitably qualified professional such as your solicitor or accountant.

 

Get FREE equine recruitment advice

Both employers and jobseekers alike, if you would like free, friendly, no obligation recruitment advice from Caroline please do get in touch!

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the information they are working to is correct and appropriate for their specific circumstances.

© Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and The Grooms List, 2024. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and www.thegroomslist.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

We’re on social media!

Follow us on social media and stay up to date with the latest from The Grooms List. We are quite happy to chat via social media too!

The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on FacebookThe Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on Twitter The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on Instagram

 

 

Top Jobs!

Job Description This role will involve: Taking sole responsibility for the running one of the yards. Looking after horses to a high standard Competent rider Knowledge of horse care Cleanliness is a must Going to tournaments on a day to day basis HGV license is a massive bonus but not essential Great fun job, with the opportunity to make great friends in a social sport.   Accommodation details Accommodation can be provided.
Job Description We require a Polo Groom/Rider to join our small team to help look after our lovely horses. The job involves plenty of riding, mucking out, keeping the horses looking good, travelling to tournaments, ensuring the yard is tidy and generally helping the club run smoothly. Our horses are all very easy but you must be a competent rider as you will be required to ride and lead. The job is varied and fun.  No Polo experience required as full training given.
Job Description All yard duties, become part of existing team, tacking up, preparing horses for shows etc. Riding for the right applicant Minimum Requirements 3 years experience with horses   Accommodation details On site Static Caravan Accommodation   Benefits Training Provided Own Horse Possible Pets allowed Riding Opportunities  
Searching for a groom to join a growing competition yard with top-class facilities. Confidence and ability to handle fit competition horses from young stock to 4* is a must; with a general love of horses and the sport. Previous experience on a professional yard preferred, but not a necessity. General day-to-day yard duties, lunging, riding etc. HGV a bonus. Applicants must also have/be: • Happy • Enthusiastic • Can-do attitude • A team player • Reliable • Good communication A good salary to reflect level of experience. 5 days a week. Fantastic on-site accommodation available in a 4 bed house. Well behaved dog welcome. Own horse considered.  
*£25k-£30k pa available  plus accommodation *Live in or out *5-day week (one weekend a month to work/ adhoc Saturday on odd occasions) *Partners welcomed *Families welcomed *Dog possible *Woodland and beach riding available  Head Groom position. This is to replace someone who was in the role previously for almost 8 years. You would be required to look after a happy family yard who do a bit of everything. This friendly and relaxed yard is set in stunning parkland. The role involves supervising a fearless young girl who wants to compete at Hickstead one of these days and 4 boys who only ride recreationally and only once in a while. All will need some supervision. The Parents hunt/leisure ride Whilst mostly home-based, some outings are required, but not loads, approx 2-3 x per month, (local shows – working hunter; pony Club activities, hacking out some schooling and in the Summer there is Beach Riding, woodland Riding). There are 3 main hunters (2 x greys!) iro 16.3 and 2x ponies(1 x13HH, child’s pony/ 1 mini) Confident, capable and enthusiastic rider is essential for the horses. All duties of a professional groom in sole charge will be expected, including, but not limited to: Building up and maintaining fitness levels Care of Tack, Tack Room and Stables Paddock maintenance Basic knowledge of equine first aid – the ability to spot and deal with minor wounds etc HGV licence would be a significant bonus as would a trailer licence Supervision of part-time /temporary groom(s) – 1 part-timer and adhoc   Core working hours will be between 0800 and 1700, however, some flexibility is expected and reciprocated vs the needs of the Estate and the requirements of the role with the need to start earlier and finish later when necessary. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
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  
*Single or family person welcomed (including children.) *Dog welcomed but not on the yard* *5 day week * IRO £25K -£35Kpa +/- plus accommodation neg. . The employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and his wife has a strong equestrian background. Carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential.  Strong horsemanship skills on the ground and under saddle along with yard management skills are, however, essential. Groundwork and long-reining ability also are highly desirable. The horses are ridden (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of horses and possess all the usual skills including the ability to turn a horse out and there is an opportunity to learn to drive. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business so a track record of RELIABILITY is key. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Accommodation options are available. Very well appointed 2 beds/2 baths flat on-site and a lovely house in the village close by is available meantime. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Good yards close by if you have a horses (s) Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description Looking for a dedicated and motivated team player to join our busy yard in a role as a competition groom with plenty of travelling. Will suit someone that wants to be closely involved with the competition horses and help achieve exciting goals with them. A full time, live in or live out position which includes all day to day yard duties and working with the horses at home and away at shows. Must clip, plait and turnout to a high standard. Will need to be happy driving a 3.5t horsebox and HGV license is a bonus. A love of the horses and high standards and attention to detail are the most important. Role will include competition grooming for myself as well as taking clients to shows, horses to the treadmill, vets etc. We have a string of horses from youngsters up to 4* eventers and also compete BS regularly including Hickstead throughout the summer. The right person will need to be organised, cheerful and hopefully slightly OCD. Must work well in a team and be good with clients as well as being happy working on own initiative and motivation. Someone who also likes and is happy to pitch in with young children is also a huge bonus. Current team of staff have all been here between one and five years. Littleton has exceptional facilities and is one big family (even if it is a slightly bonkers one at times). Hopefully someone wants to come and join us for the ride! Ideally looking for someone from the start of April however this is flexible as right person is paramount. Previous experience in this specific role not essential but must have good yard work experience and ideally some competition grooming so far. Riding can be part of the job but not compulsory. Competitive package with a contract including pension, paid holiday etc
Job Description We are looking for a Stable Hand / Groom to join our 5* Equestrian Centre. Top facilities on a newly developed Centre. 2 to 5 Days a week, minimum Saturday and Sunday cover, 7:45am start with a lunch break. Yard finishes about 6pm. Candidate must work well as a team, competent in the stable yard, friendly, self motivated, honest & kind with our horses. Fantastic opportunity to work with Mrs Sam van den Berg, International Level 2 Instructor! Excellent package, dependant on experience & ability! We look forward to meeting the new future member of out Team! Minimum Requirements Experienced Groom, able to work efficiently, at high standard. Punctual, friendly, team worker! Must be local or have reliable transport, as bus service is not always reliable   Accommodation details No accommodation available   Benefits Working on a 5* establishment, top wage package. £150 Signing Bonus after successful completion of 3 months probation period.    
Job Description We’re in search of a dedicated full-time team member to join the close-knit Magna Horses family. As a valued member, you’ll play an important role in our passion-driven, family-owned business focused on caring and producing top quality horses. Ideal candidates will: – Prioritise reliability and be a trustworthy team member. – Have experience in handling young horses and stallions – Thrive in both team environments and be able to work on their own – Complete all basic yard duties to a high standard, including mucking out, hay net filling, and turning out, with additional opportunities for the right person. – Most importantly have a love and understanding for competition-ready horses of varying ages. We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Minimum Requirements Be comfortable around horses and like them! We can offer training as long as you are happy to undertake general yard duties.   Accommodation details Regrettably, accommodation is not currently provided.   Benefits We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Also, we will include free flat work/dressage or in-hand lessons with GB U25 Grand Prix rider You can ride your horse during day light horses (probably lunchtime) – yard duties can be done after dark, riding your horse can’t! Located in picturesque Wiltshire(SP3), with fabulous off road hacking.  
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***  
Job Description flat rider/groom for competition yard, mainly 4-7 year olds no breaking or backing young ones required Minimum Requirements must be able to ride confidently and have good flat work skills lunging and long reining   Accommodation details shared accommodation, ensuit private bedroom and bathrooms within the accomadion there is a new kitchen, laundry room, games rooms and gym   Benefits great fun team opportunity to flat ride at shows uk and internationally
Job Description We are looking for a capable yard manager who is also an experienced instructor with an interest in biomechanics to run the yard of 14 horses and teach lessons not only on actual horses but also on our eventing simulator. For the right candidate training and qualifications will be provided. The successful person must be organised, reliable and able to drive. We have a rider you will be working alongside and would be an advantage if you can drive a 3.5 ton or 7.5 ton horsebox. We have riding holidays, clinics and camps which you will get involved in with the other staff members. Minimum Requirements Coaching qualifications or experience   Accommodation details Sole accommodation if required   Benefits Fantastic facilities and location 80 acre cross country course Latest technology horse simulator – can jump a course of 1.20m sj and xc New big airy barn type stables Pension 28 days Holiday  
STABLE HAND/HOME GROOM VACATION COVER MAY 2024 EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING HORSES FROM 3 to 23 YRS (NO STALLIONS!) HORSE WALKER AND TURN OUT SERVICES MUCKING OUT FEEDING   Modern Appartment on premises with floor heating, rain shower, WIFI, TV
*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
*5 day week * IRO £25K pa +/- plus accommodation neg. 🙂 This vacancy has arisen due to internal promotion. We have placed staff in these roles previously and the feedback is always excellent 🙂 This lovely employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and he and his wife have a strong equestrian background. Good horsemanship skills on the ground with yard & horse management skills being a priority for the role . Candidates should possess all the usual skills, including the ability to turn a horse out Riding optional – the horses are ridden by their owners (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). An interest in carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential and there is an opportunity to learn to drive if you might be interested.  Outings to competitions are shared between the yard manager and this position. You would mostly be travelling to outings in the UK. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business but is looking to be permanently based in the UK permanently in 5/6 years’ time. Integrity, self-reliance initiative and self-starters are a must for this role. Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. No room for a horse but lots of good yards close by. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description English family relocating from Scotland are looking for a live-in groom to start June 2024. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work ad hoc Saturdays or Sundays as needed. The applicant will be in sole-charge of two perfectly behaved cobs and three (pretty perfectly) behaved shetland ponies. The family are currently looking to acquire three further horses / ponies to add to their team. The private estate is a working farm with excellent equine facilities. There is an outdoor arena with show jumps, miles of off-road hacking and plans for an extensive cross country course. This is a very happy and family focussed home, with young children, dogs and other livestock. HGV 7.5 ton license preferable, but for the right candidate the family would sponsor the required training and qualifications. CVs and references will be required. Minimum Requirements All yard duties must be performed to a high standard. Applicant must be a sensitive and confident rider and happy to work through any schooling or behavioural issues. Due to the size of the horses, the family require a lightweight groom, ideally one who is able to exercise and school small stocky ponies. Candidate must be energetic, a team player, with good social skills and the ability to work harmoniously alongside other staff. The family are also looking for a positive, happy groom who would also really enjoy riding with (and teaching where needed) the younger members of the family. A DBS certificate will be required. Accommodation details Idyllic one-bedroom flat adjoined to the main house, overlooking the farm and parkland. This flat is in excellent condition and there is a strong expectation that this standard of accommodation will be maintained by the successful applicant. – Council tax paid for – Water and heating paid for (T&Cs apply) – All other utilities to be covered by the applicant Benefits For the right candidate, this position offers: – The opportunity to bring with them their own horse – The opportunity to bring with them a maximum of two well behaved small pets (indoor cats only) – The opportunity to use the family horse box for personal use (when not in use by the family) Pension as standard  
We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. This Warmblood Stud is the home of Stallions and Broodmares. We have the pleasure of owning and producing beautiful and versatile warmblood horses.  Our bloodlines include some of the top in the  Country ;- Concorde, Kannan, Voltaire, Zirocco Blue, Cardento, Kashmir V. We are based in West Wales near Tregaron in a stunning rural location with purpose built equine facilities with an Equine Therapy and Spa onsite. Set in the midst of the idyllic Cambrian Mountains we are graced with beautiful outriding and our horses benefit with hacking out as part of their daily routines.  These quality Warmbloods are or have competed in show jumping competition in this country and abroad. This full time, live in or out role. We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our team,  getting the best from our horses. This will include general yard duties working as part of the team producing young stock and competing our stallions.   The role is 5 days per week and flexibility if we go out to shows at the week days and weekends. We are a mixed yard competition horses (stallions), youngstock, broodmares and general riding horses. We have some very well bred, exciting youngsters for the future. We are a very busy yard this could be a hugely rewarding role for the right person. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one and own horse considered.  
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab career/CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience required to work within an established and highly motivated team to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. This is a great training ground for those established in their career or ambitious individuals wanting to build a career towards yard management and /or competition grooming in the future. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
​*Stunning Cotswold location *IRO £400-£450 +accomm and no bills *5 day week * dog considered* Our client events her horses at all levels (BE90 – 4*)and has some fabulous advanced horses as well as some “up and coming” youngsters. This role is suitable for an experienced Groom who enjoys the competitive environment but is also happy when mostly home grooming. Relevant experience ideal including yard/stable/performance horse management. Youngstock experience a bonus as a few young horses brought in from time to time to bring on. Must be able to turn out to a good basic level. Must be passionate about horses and their care. … Please call Caroline & the Team  on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
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  
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
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

© Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and The Grooms List, 2023. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and www.thegroomslist.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Equine Careers | Equine Grooms | Equine Jobs | Equestrian Jobseekers

How many times have our articles been read?

  • 2,507,231

Information

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
The Stables
Fildyke Road
Meppershall
Bedfordshire
SG17 5LU

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730 / 07747 686 118

Registered company number 10657796good site
Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd is registered with the UK Information Commissioner as a data controller with registered number ZA250621

ENDORSED BY