The British Grooms Association (BGA) has proudly launched the Equine Employers Handbook, the first ever dedicated guide to employing staff in the equestrian industry.
Made possible due to a £4,400 Grant from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, the BGA has worked tirelessly with Morrish Solicitors LLP to pull together this easy-to-use problem solver. It addresses the everyday and more infrequent issues that every employer needs to deal with, from recruiting to discipline and termination, employment facts, sickness and employee relations. Tailored specifically to the challenges of the equine industry, the Handbook includes: • Case studies • Sample letter templates • Practical handy tips • Useful links • The legal facts • Check lists
Executive Director, Lucy Katan, explained more, "The realisation that the Equine Employers Handbook was going to be possible happened thanks to the 2009 National Equine Forum. I was honoured to speak for the second time at this prestigious event and after my presentation the Worshipful Company of Saddlers offered to support our project. As the BGA is a Social Enterprise we have always had a vision that to help the grooms, we must also offer support and guidance to employers - this Handbook fulfils this ambition. We have not used any of our members' funds or association sponsorships to develop it; however any profits will go back into supporting the association."
Since its launch in 2007 the BGA has received countless requests for help from employers. "We have been contacted so many times, by really conscientious employers who are keen to employ their staff in the best possible way; they know it makes good business sense. We realised that there was nowhere else for equine employers to turn to for help, so decided to tackle this issue - for the ultimate benefit of the grooms", explained Lucy.
The Equine Employers Handbook has received unanimous support from all sectors of the industry. It has been endorsed by the BEF. Chief Executive Andrew Finding said, "The Equine Employers Handbook is an excellent, well researched and practical tool for any equine employer. As an industry we depend on our employees and our businesses reap the benefits if they are correctly managed. I am delighted that the British Grooms Association has undertaken this important work and I recommend the Equine Employers Handbook to all who seek to employ staff who do so much vital work within our industry."
Mary King was one of the first to see the Handbook and she has also offered her endorsement, "Having been an employer for many years I am thankful that at last there is an informative guide to employment relevant to the equestrian industry and its demands. The Equine Employers Handbook is full of useful information and advice. I would strongly urge all employers, no matter how experienced you are, to have a copy on your shelf. "
For more information and to purchase your copy of the Equine Employers Handbook for just £37.50, visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk
