Employers Liability

Employers’ Liability insurance – All businesses must have this cover. It is a legal requirement and failure to have it can lead to you being handed significant fines.

This insurance protects your business against the cost of compensation claims in the event an employee is injured or is suffering from a work-related illness.

Even if you only employ a single person, or you have an employee on a short-term or temporary contract, you need to ensure you have the correct cover.

Who Needs Employers’ Liability Cover?

Under UK law, most businesses who employ staff will have to hold valid employers’ liability insurance.

The cover was created to protect your business should an employee suffer an injury following an accident at your premises or the employee falls ill due to working for you.

There are some exceptions for public organisations and certain small businesses employing close family members. However, this does not apply to family businesses that are incorporated as limited companies.

What does Employers’ Liability insurance cover?

With Employers’ Liability insurance, you can rest assured that your business will be covered in the event of a claim from an employee.

These claims could come from an employee who has fallen on equipment in a warehouse or simply tripped over wires in the office and injured themselves.

You will be covered for the cost of settling and defending the claim, as well as any compensation pay-outs and legal fees.

The compensation amount is determined by a number of factors, including medical costs and loss of income because the employee has been left unable to work.

Employees can also still make claims after they have left your business, as their symptoms may only surface after several months.

Even if you plan to only employ short-term, temporary or other freelance staff, it is usually a legal requirement to hold valid Employers’ Liability insurance.

You may need additional cover for any interns or students on work experience placements. We will carry out a full assessment to make sure we find you an adequate policy for your business, including having cover for any volunteers and self-employed individuals should you look to employ them.

How much Employers’ Liability insurance do I need?

As soon as you become an employer in the UK, you are required to have cover of at least £5 million.

However, an assessment needs to be carried out to determine if more cover is needed should the most serious claim be likely in your work environment.

The costs of defending your business against an Employers’ Liability claim can damage your business significantly, making it essential you have the most appropriate cover in place.

To find out more and to discuss your needs, please contact us on 01274 515 747 or email us at mail@lwood.co.uk