GM, partner. This is The Oxer. The newsletter that takes you out of your tack room and into the global equestrian industry.
🐴 Here’s what we’ve got for you today:
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Grooms Being Illegally Employed: Stats and facts.
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EU Bans Creosote: What that means for our businesses.
What happened?!
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A survey conducted by the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) found that 45% of grooms are not being paid in accordance with the law, even before the April 1st increase in the national minimum wage.
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The survey, which had over 200 respondents, examined how overtime and time off in lieu (TOIL) of extra hours worked are treated, and how this affects the NMW.
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The survey found that 97% of respondents work more than their contracted hours every week, but more than 50% do not log extra hours worked. EEA and British Grooms Association founder Lucy Katan called for compliance with the law to protect employers, staff, and the industry.
Our jump on the subject
No one wants to hear the bad news, but if we don’t tell it to you, then the problem will exist without anyone knowing.
Without our grooms, how are we able to take care of our horses? In addition to the fact that there are too few workers in the equestrian industry.
What happened?!
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The EU has banned the sale and use of creosote-containing products for treating agricultural/equine fencing due to the potential carcinogenic risk to humans.
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is working with the industry to bring more alternatives to the market.
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The final date for placing on the market and sale of fencing treated with creosote is April 30, 2023, except for railway sleepers and telecommunication poles.
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The ban on creosote may impact fencing grants available to farmers under new schemes, but there are alternative wood preservative products authorized for use in Ireland, and companies are certified to manufacture timber fencing posts using these preservatives.
Our jump on the subject
A quick search on Google for “equestrian fencing” will tell you that there are many businesses, well, in this business. It also appears that creosote fencing is a popular choice for those who need equestrian fencing.
This ban is only taking place in the EU, so don’t worry, America. But, as our friends from across the pond know, equestrian is huge in the EU (and in the UK).
It’s also good to know that the fence you’re thinking of putting up is harmful to your health, even if you don’t live in the EU.
Take your time to digest these stories and let us know what you think by replying.
Shorten your stirrups,
The Oxer
