Employers' Liability Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance is designed to help protect UK businesses and organisations if someone working for them suffers injury or illness linked to their work.
Cover can be relevant for permanent employees, part-time staff, casual workers, temporary workers, apprentices, trainees, volunteers and labour-only subcontractors. In many cases, Employers' Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK where a business employs staff.
Employers' Liability Insurance For UK Businesses
Employers' Liability Insurance exists because businesses have responsibilities towards people who work for them. If an employee, worker, apprentice, trainee, volunteer or labour-only subcontractor suffers an injury or illness linked to their work, the business may face a claim for compensation, legal defence costs and associated expenses.
The cover can be relevant for offices, shops, contractors, charities, clubs, property owners, hospitality businesses, workshops, warehouses, hotels, events businesses, professional firms and organisations that use casual or temporary labour. A small business taking on its first member of staff may need to consider Employers' Liability Insurance just as carefully as a larger company with multiple teams.
Employers' Liability Insurance requirements depend on the structure of the business, who carries out work for the organisation, how workers are supervised, whether they use the business's tools or equipment, and whether they are treated as employees, labour-only subcontractors or bona fide subcontractors.
This page provides general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. If you are unsure whether Employers' Liability Insurance is legally required for your business, you should seek appropriate professional advice.
Need Employers' Liability Insurance Support?
Quote Monkey may be able to help customers access suitable cover routes depending on the nature of the business, staffing arrangements and wider insurance needs.
What Is Employers' Liability Insurance?
Employers' Liability Insurance is a form of business insurance designed to respond to certain claims made by people working for a business or organisation. It can help protect the business if a worker alleges they suffered injury or illness because of their work, working conditions, training, supervision, equipment, premises or systems of work.
The policy is not just relevant to large employers. It can matter as soon as a business takes on help, even if that help is part-time, casual, seasonal, temporary or informal. It may also be relevant where a business uses labour-only subcontractors, apprentices, trainees, family members, volunteers or work experience students.
Workplace Injury Claims
Employers' Liability Insurance may respond where a worker alleges injury caused by workplace conditions, machinery, equipment, lifting, slips, trips, falls, tools or other work-related hazards.
Work-Related Illness Claims
Cover may also be relevant where illness is alleged to have developed because of work, exposure, stress, poor working conditions or a failure to manage health risks properly.
Legal Defence Costs
Employers' Liability Insurance may help with legal defence costs where an insured worker injury or illness claim needs investigation, legal representation or formal response.
Compensation Awards
Where legal liability is established and the policy responds, compensation awards may be considered within the terms, conditions and limits of the policy.
Staff Working Away
Cover can be relevant where staff work away from the main premises, including customer sites, construction sites, events, mobile work, property management visits or remote locations.
Business Continuity
Having suitable Employers' Liability Insurance can help a business meet contractual requirements, manage staff-related risks and support wider business insurance arrangements.
Who Needs Employers' Liability Insurance?
Many UK businesses with employees are legally required to hold Employers' Liability Insurance. The position can also be relevant where the business does not think of someone as a traditional employee, but the working relationship looks like employment in practice.
This is why businesses should look beyond job titles. The key question is often how work is carried out, who controls the work, whether the person uses the business's equipment, whether they are supervised, and whether they are integrated into the business's operations.
Permanent Employees
Permanent employees are a core reason businesses arrange Employers' Liability Insurance, whether they work in offices, shops, warehouses, workshops, hospitality venues or on site.
Part-Time Employees
Part-time staff can still create Employers' Liability responsibilities. The number of hours worked does not remove the need to consider cover.
Casual Staff
Casual workers may be used during busy periods, events, seasonal trading or temporary projects. Their status should be explained clearly when arranging cover.
Temporary Workers
Temporary workers can be exposed to workplace hazards even if they are only engaged for a short period. Agency arrangements should be reviewed carefully.
Apprentices And Trainees
Apprentices and trainees may be less experienced and more reliant on supervision, training and safe systems of work, making insurance and health and safety controls important.
Volunteers
Charities, clubs, events and community groups may use volunteers. Volunteer arrangements should be disclosed because they can create Employers' Liability considerations.
Labour-Only Subcontractors
Labour-only subcontractors are often treated more like employees for insurance purposes because they may work under the direction and control of the business.
Family Members
Family members working in the business can still create insurance responsibilities, especially if they are paid, supervised or integrated into day-to-day operations.
Directors Who Are Employees
Directors who also work as employees may need to be considered, particularly in limited companies where directors carry out operational work.
Work Experience Students
Work experience students and placement workers should be disclosed because they may be exposed to workplace hazards and require supervision.
Club Helpers
Clubs and associations may use paid or unpaid helpers for events, administration, coaching, maintenance, stewarding or venue setup.
Remote And Mobile Staff
Staff working away from the main premises, from home, on the road or at customer sites can still create Employers' Liability exposures.
Who May Not Need Employers' Liability Insurance?
Not every business will necessarily need Employers' Liability Insurance. Some businesses operate without employees, some are run by a single owner, and some company structures may fall into possible exemption areas. However, assumptions can be risky because the real question is often whether anyone working for the business may legally be treated as an employee.
Possible exemptions can depend on the structure of the business, whether it has employees, whether workers are close family members, whether there is only one director who owns 50% or more of the share capital, and whether anyone carrying out work is genuinely independent rather than working under the control of the business.
This page provides general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. If you are unsure whether Employers' Liability Insurance is required for your business, you should seek appropriate professional advice.
No Employees
A business with no employees and no people working under its control may have different Employers' Liability considerations from a business that uses staff, helpers or labour-only subcontractors.
Single Director Companies
Some single director companies may fall into possible exemption areas where the director owns 50% or more of the share capital, but the exact position should be checked carefully.
Family Workers
Family member arrangements can vary depending on the business structure and the work being done. Businesses should not assume family involvement automatically removes insurance responsibilities.
Independent Contractors
Bona fide subcontractors may be treated differently from labour-only subcontractors, especially where they provide their own insurance, control their work and operate as independent businesses.
Taking On Your First Employee
Taking on a first employee is a major step for sole traders, small businesses and limited companies. Employers' Liability Insurance should be reviewed before the worker starts, not after an incident occurs or after a client asks for evidence of cover.
The same care should be taken when bringing in part-time staff, temporary workers, seasonal workers, apprentices, family members, work experience students or labour-only subcontractors. Even short-term work can create exposure if the worker is injured or becomes ill because of their work.
First Employee
Before the first employee starts, the business should consider whether Employers' Liability Insurance is legally required and whether wider business cover needs updating.
Part-Time And Temporary Staff
Part-time and temporary workers can still bring claims if they suffer injury or illness linked to their work, even if they only work for a limited period.
Apprentices And Trainees
Apprentices and trainees often need additional supervision and training, making early insurance review and health and safety planning especially important.
Seasonal Workers
Seasonal workers may be used by shops, hospitality businesses, farms, events and leisure sites. Their short-term status does not remove the need to consider cover.
Family Members
Where family members carry out work for the business, the arrangement should be reviewed properly rather than assuming no cover is needed.
Labour-Only Subcontractors
Labour-only subcontractors should be discussed before work starts because they may be treated more like employees for Employers' Liability purposes.
Simple Employment Risk Timeline
Employers' Liability Insurance works best when it is reviewed before a worker starts. A simple timeline helps businesses avoid leaving the insurance question until too late.
Business Decides To Take On Help
The process begins when the business decides it needs an employee, helper, apprentice, temporary worker, volunteer or subcontractor to carry out work.
Worker Status Is Reviewed
The business should consider whether the person may be treated as an employee, labour-only subcontractor, volunteer, trainee or genuinely independent contractor.
Insurance Requirement Is Considered
Employers' Liability Insurance should be reviewed before work begins, especially where the worker is supervised or uses the business's tools or equipment.
Cover Is Arranged Before Work Starts
Where cover is required, it should be arranged before the employee, worker, apprentice or labour-only subcontractor begins work for the business.
Certificate And Records Are Kept
The business should keep its certificate, workforce records, wage estimates, health and safety documents and insurance information organised.
Cover Is Reviewed When Things Change
Employers' Liability Insurance should be reviewed when the workforce grows, job roles change, new sites are added or higher-risk work begins.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Small Businesses
Small businesses often reach an important point when they take on their first employee, part-time helper, casual worker or seasonal member of staff. At that point, business insurance needs can change significantly. A sole operator may previously have focused on Public Liability Insurance, tools, stock or premises cover, but employing people introduces staff injury and work-related illness exposures.
Shops, offices, cafes, salons, workshops, online businesses with warehouse staff, mobile businesses with assistants and growing service firms may all need to consider Employers' Liability Insurance. Even low-risk workplaces can involve manual handling, slips and trips, display stands, electrical equipment, cleaning tasks, workstation issues, stress allegations and staff working away from the main premises.
Shops And Retail
Retail employers may have shop assistants, managers, stockroom workers, delivery helpers and seasonal staff. Shop Insurance may also be relevant for wider business risks.
Offices
Office-based businesses may employ administrators, reception staff, sales teams, consultants, hybrid workers and managers. Office Insurance may support wider premises and equipment needs.
Growing Businesses
As businesses grow, they may need cover for more staff, different job roles, multiple locations, vehicles, stock, customers and wider insurance packages such as Commercial Combined Insurance.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Sole Traders And Limited Companies
A sole trader who works entirely alone may have different Employers' Liability considerations from a sole trader who brings in help. If a sole trader employs anyone, uses casual workers or relies on labour-only subcontractors, Employers' Liability Insurance may need to be considered.
Limited companies may need Employers' Liability Insurance for directors who are also employees, office staff, site teams, administrative workers, sales teams, delivery staff, maintenance workers and operational employees. The company structure does not remove the need to consider who works for the business and how they are supervised.
Sole Traders Taking On Help
A sole trader may need cover if someone helps with admin, deliveries, manual work, events, stock handling, cleaning, seasonal work or customer service.
Limited Companies With Staff
Limited companies should consider employees, directors, office staff, site staff, temporary workers and labour-only subcontractors when arranging cover.
Partnerships
Partnerships may need cover where workers are engaged by the business, especially where they are supervised, paid or provided with tools and equipment.
Owner-Managed Businesses
Owner-managed firms can still require Employers' Liability Insurance if anyone besides the owner carries out work for the organisation.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Contractors And Trades
Contractors and trades often have more complex Employers' Liability exposures because staff may work on site, use tools, work at height, handle materials, operate plant, visit customer premises, work near the public or carry out physically demanding tasks. Manual work, site hazards, changing locations and subcontractor arrangements all need careful explanation.
Builders, electricians, roofers, cleaners, groundworkers, steel erectors, demolition contractors, civil engineering contractors, utilities contractors, rail contractors, renewable energy contractors, traffic management contractors and plant hire businesses may need Employers' Liability Insurance alongside public liability and wider contractor cover.
Building And Electrical Trades
Businesses using site staff may need Employers' Liability Insurance alongside pages such as Builder Public Liability Insurance and Electrician Public Liability Insurance.
Roofing And Maintenance
Roofers and maintenance teams may work at height, use ladders, access equipment and tools. Roofer Public Liability Insurance and Property Maintenance Public Liability Insurance may also be relevant.
Groundworks And Demolition
Groundwork and demolition businesses may use labourers, plant operators and site teams. See Groundwork And Foundations Specialist Public Liability Insurance and Demolition Public Liability Insurance.
Steel And Structural Work
Steel businesses may employ fabricators, erectors, welders, site operatives and workshop staff. Related pages include Steel Erector Public Liability Insurance.
Infrastructure Contractors
Businesses working on roads, utilities, rail or traffic management may have specialist exposures. Related pages include Road Maintenance Public Liability Insurance and Traffic Management Contractor Insurance.
Plant Hire And Industrial Cleaning
Employers using plant operators, cleaning teams or site labour may need cover for machinery, manual tasks and hazardous environments. See Plant Hire Insurance and Industrial Cleaning Contractor Insurance.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Shops, Hospitality And Offices
Retail, hospitality and office businesses may not always look hazardous, but staff injuries and work-related illness claims can still arise. Common exposures include slips, trips, lifting, cleaning, kitchen work, stock handling, repetitive tasks, workstation issues, stress allegations and accidents involving fixtures, fittings or equipment.
Employers' Liability Insurance may be needed by shops with assistants, cafes with kitchen staff, restaurants with front-of-house teams, hotels with housekeeping staff, offices with administrators, salons with part-time staff and businesses using temporary seasonal workers.
Retail Staff
Retail businesses may employ shop assistants, stockroom staff, supervisors, managers and delivery helpers. Shop Insurance, Farm Shop Insurance and Garden Shop Insurance may be relevant for wider insurance needs.
Hospitality Staff
Hospitality employers may have chefs, waiting staff, bar staff, cleaners, reception teams and managers. Hotel Insurance may be relevant for accommodation businesses.
Office Employees
Offices may employ receptionists, administrators, consultants, finance staff and hybrid workers. Office Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance may also be relevant.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Property Owners And Management Companies
Property owners and management companies may need Employers' Liability Insurance if they employ cleaners, caretakers, gardeners, concierge staff, maintenance workers, estate staff, security teams or administrative employees. The need can also arise where labour-only subcontractors are used for routine property tasks.
Resident management companies, managing agents, freeholders, commercial landlords and block management arrangements should consider who is employed, who is supervised, who provides tools and whether contractors are genuinely independent. Related pages include Commercial Property Owners Insurance, Blocks Of Flats Insurance and Block Of Flats Employers Liability Insurance.
Employers' Liability Insurance For Clubs, Charities And Associations
Clubs, charities, CICs, associations and community groups may rely on a mixture of paid staff, volunteers, committee members, casual helpers, event helpers and seasonal workers. This can make insurance arrangements more complicated than they first appear.
Employers' Liability Insurance may be relevant where helpers are directed by the organisation, use its equipment, carry out duties on its behalf or work under its supervision. Public events and activity programmes may also require Events Public Liability Insurance, Activities Liability Insurance or Sports Liability Insurance.
What Does Employers' Liability Insurance Cover?
Employers' Liability Insurance is generally designed to respond to certain claims made by employees or workers who allege they suffered injury or illness because of their work. Policy wording, exclusions, limits and conditions will determine how a specific claim is handled.
The types of claims can vary significantly between office employers, construction contractors, warehouses, hotels, retail shops, charities, clubs and property management companies. A specialist broker will usually need to understand the exact business activity and workforce profile.
Injury At Work
Claims may arise from slips, trips, falls, manual handling, equipment use, falling objects, defective flooring, site hazards or unsafe working environments.
Illness Caused By Work
Work-related illness allegations may involve exposure, poor working conditions, stress, repetitive tasks, substances, noise, dust or other occupational health concerns.
Machinery Accidents
Businesses using machinery, plant, tools or workshop equipment may face claims involving guarding, training, maintenance, supervision or safe working procedures.
Manual Handling Injuries
Manual handling claims may arise from lifting, carrying, moving stock, warehouse work, deliveries, maintenance, cleaning, construction materials or hospitality supplies.
Training And Supervision
Claims may allege inadequate training, poor supervision, unclear instructions, unsafe systems of work or insufficient induction for new and temporary workers.
Legal Defence Costs
Employers' Liability Insurance may assist with legal defence costs where an insured claim is investigated, defended or settled under the policy terms.
What Employers' Liability Insurance Does Not Usually Cover
Employers' Liability Insurance is focused on claims by people working for the business. It is not designed to cover every business risk, and many related exposures need different types of insurance.
Understanding these differences helps businesses avoid assuming one policy will respond to public claims, professional advice issues, product problems, property losses, cyber incidents or directors' personal liability.
Public Liability Claims
Claims by customers, visitors, clients or members of the public are usually considered under Public Liability Insurance.
Professional Advice Claims
Advice, design, consultancy, errors and omissions may require Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Property Damage
Damage to buildings, contents, stock, tools, plant or equipment is normally handled through property, contents, tools, plant or wider business insurance.
Motor Claims
Road traffic incidents involving business vehicles are normally considered under motor insurance rather than Employers' Liability Insurance. Motor Fleet Insurance may be relevant for some businesses.
Deliberate Acts
Deliberate injury, intentional damage, criminal acts or reckless behaviour will usually fall outside ordinary insurance protection.
Fines And Penalties
Regulatory fines, penalties and punitive sanctions are generally not the purpose of Employers' Liability Insurance and may be excluded.
Contractual Disputes
Employment disputes, wage issues, contract disagreements and disciplinary matters may require separate legal expenses or HR support arrangements.
Directors' Personal Liability
Claims against directors or officers personally may require Directors' and Officers' Insurance rather than Employers' Liability Insurance.
Employers' Liability Vs Other Business Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance is often arranged alongside other covers, but each insurance type responds to different circumstances. A business with employees, customers, premises, products, vehicles and professional services may need several covers working together.
Employers' Liability Vs Public Liability
Public Liability Insurance generally relates to claims by third parties such as customers, visitors, clients or members of the public. Employers' Liability generally relates to claims by people working for the business.
Employers' Liability Vs Professional Indemnity
Professional Indemnity Insurance relates to advice, design, consultancy, professional services, errors, omissions and negligence allegations from clients.
Employers' Liability Vs Product Liability
Product Liability relates to injury or damage caused by products supplied, sold, manufactured, imported or distributed. Employers' Liability is concerned with claims from people working for the business.
Employers' Liability And Commercial Combined
Commercial Combined Insurance may bring together several business covers, potentially including Employers' Liability for businesses needing a broader insurance programme.
Employers' Liability And Commercial Combined Insurance
Many businesses arrange Employers' Liability Insurance alongside Public Liability, property, stock, contents, business interruption and other covers as part of a wider Commercial Combined Insurance policy. This can be useful where a business has employees, premises, equipment, customers and operational risks that need to be reviewed together.
A retailer may need Employers' Liability, Public Liability, stock and shop contents. A contractor may need Employers' Liability, Public Liability, tools, plant and contract works. A warehouse or manufacturer may need Employers' Liability alongside property, machinery, stock and business interruption. The right structure depends on the business and the cover route available.
Employers' Liability And Health And Safety
Insurance does not replace good health and safety management. Employers still need to think about risk assessments, staff training, supervision, PPE, manual handling, machinery safety, working at height, COSHH awareness, workplace inspections, safe systems of work, accident records and reporting serious incidents where applicable.
Good documentation can matter when a claim is investigated. Training records, maintenance logs, accident reports, induction records, risk assessments, inspection records and evidence of supervision can help show how the business managed its responsibilities.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments help identify hazards before work begins and should be kept relevant to the actual tasks, locations, workers and equipment involved.
Training And PPE
Training, protective equipment and clear instructions can reduce workplace injury risk and support the business if a claim is later investigated.
Accident Records
Accident books, incident reports and prompt investigation records can be important where a worker later alleges injury or illness linked to work.
Manual Handling
Lifting, carrying, stock movement, deliveries and repetitive work should be managed carefully, particularly in warehouses, shops, hospitality and construction.
Machinery Safety
Machinery guarding, servicing, maintenance, training and supervision can be relevant for workshops, warehouses, plant hire, agriculture and manufacturing.
Working At Height
Work at height should be planned, supervised and supported with suitable access equipment, training and inspection procedures.
COSHH Awareness
Businesses using cleaning chemicals, solvents, dust-producing processes or hazardous substances should consider COSHH awareness, PPE, storage and staff instruction.
Workplace Inspections
Regular checks of flooring, lighting, access routes, machinery, storage, welfare areas and site conditions can help identify hazards before incidents occur.
Safe Systems Of Work
Safe systems of work help staff understand how tasks should be carried out, what equipment should be used and when supervision or additional controls are needed.
Employers' Liability Claims Examples
Claims examples show how Employers' Liability Insurance may become relevant across different sectors. These examples are illustrative only, and any policy response depends on the terms, conditions, exclusions and circumstances of the claim.
Construction Worker Falls
A site worker falls from access equipment and alleges inadequate supervision or unsafe working methods. Employers' Liability Insurance may respond if the policy terms are met.
Office Manual Handling Injury
An office employee injures their back moving boxes during an office rearrangement and alleges insufficient manual handling guidance.
Shop Assistant Slip
A shop assistant slips in a stockroom and alleges poor housekeeping or unsuitable flooring contributed to the injury.
Chef Burn Injury
A kitchen employee suffers burns and alleges inadequate training, unsuitable equipment or poor supervision in a busy hospitality environment.
Warehouse Forklift Incident
A warehouse worker is injured near a forklift and alleges poor traffic management, inadequate training or unsafe layout.
Cleaner Chemical Exposure
A cleaner alleges illness after exposure to cleaning chemicals and claims insufficient PPE, training or substance control. Cleaner Public Liability Insurance may also be relevant for third-party risks.
Hotel Housekeeping Injury
A hotel housekeeper suffers a lifting injury while moving laundry or cleaning equipment and alleges inadequate manual handling procedures.
Temporary Worker Accident
A temporary worker is injured shortly after starting and alleges they did not receive suitable induction, training or supervision.
Volunteer Injured At Event
A volunteer helping at a community event is injured during setup and alleges poor planning or inadequate supervision.
Maintenance Worker Fall
A property maintenance worker falls from a ladder while carrying out repairs and alleges unsafe equipment or working methods.
Driver Loading Injury
A delivery driver employed by the business suffers an injury while loading goods and alleges unsafe manual handling requirements.
Workshop Machinery Injury
A workshop employee is injured using machinery and alleges defective guarding, inadequate training or poor maintenance.
Work Experience Student Injury
A work experience student is injured while observing or assisting with workplace tasks and alleges insufficient supervision or unclear instruction.
Charity Helper Injury
A charity helper suffers injury while moving tables, setting up a community activity or helping at a fundraising event.
Property Caretaker Accident
A caretaker working for a property owner or management company is injured carrying out maintenance in communal areas.
Office Workstation Injury
An employee alleges repetitive strain or workstation-related injury linked to poor workstation setup or lack of assessment.
Contractor Labourer Injury
A labour-only subcontractor working under the direction of a contractor is injured and alleges the contractor controlled the unsafe work system.
Sports Club Helper Injury
A club helper is injured while setting up equipment and alleges inadequate instruction or poor manual handling arrangements.
Information Needed For An Employers' Liability Quote
To review Employers' Liability Insurance requirements, a broker or insurer may ask for detailed information about the business, workforce, work locations and previous claims history. Clear information helps avoid confusion around employee numbers, wages, subcontractor status and hazardous work.
Businesses should be ready to explain their activities, staff numbers, clerical and manual wages split, use of temporary staff, use of subcontractors, hazardous work, height or depth work, machinery, vehicles, work away from premises, health and safety controls, turnover, business structure and any existing insurance covers.
Workforce Details
Employee numbers, job roles, wages, clerical and manual split, temporary staff, casual workers, apprentices and volunteers may all need to be disclosed.
Business Activities
The broker may ask what the business does, where work is carried out, what equipment is used and whether staff work at customer or contract sites.
Subcontractor Use
Labour-only and bona fide subcontractors should be explained clearly, including who supervises them and who provides tools, materials and insurance.
Hazardous Work
Work at height, depth work, heat use, machinery, construction, road work, rail work, utilities, chemicals and manual handling exposures should be disclosed.
Claims History
Previous staff injury claims, incidents, near misses or work-related illness allegations may need to be discussed accurately.
Health And Safety Controls
Risk assessments, training records, PPE, accident reporting, machinery maintenance and supervision arrangements may be relevant to the review.
Why Choose Quote Monkey?
Quote Monkey is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and supports a wide range of business insurance needs. Depending on the nature of the business, staffing arrangements and risk details, Quote Monkey may be able to help customers access suitable cover routes.
Some businesses may be eligible for online access to suitable insurance routes, while more specialist enquiries may require additional review. Quote Monkey does not claim guaranteed acceptance and does not suggest every Employers' Liability risk can be arranged in the same way.
Employers' Liability Insurance can also sit alongside wider cover such as Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Commercial Combined Insurance, Commercial Property Owners Insurance and sector-specific business insurance pages.
Request Employers' Liability Insurance Guidance
If your business employs staff, uses casual workers, relies on volunteers, engages temporary workers or works with labour-only subcontractors, Quote Monkey may be able to help you access a suitable cover route.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employers' Liability Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance is designed to help protect a business if someone working for it suffers injury or illness linked to their work and brings a claim against the employer.
In many cases, Employers' Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK where a business employs staff. The exact position can depend on the business structure and worker arrangements, so professional advice should be taken if you are unsure.
Possible exemptions can depend on business structure, worker status, family relationships and company ownership. This page is general information only, so professional advice should be taken if you are unsure.
Employers' Liability Insurance should be reviewed before the worker starts. This applies to first employees, part-time staff, temporary workers, apprentices, family helpers and labour-only subcontractors.
Family member arrangements can depend on the business structure and the work being done. You should not assume that family involvement automatically removes the need to consider Employers' Liability Insurance.
Businesses, charities, clubs, contractors, property owners and organisations that employ staff or use certain types of workers may need Employers' Liability Insurance.
A sole trader who works entirely alone may have different considerations from a sole trader who employs staff or uses workers. If anyone works for the sole trader, Employers' Liability Insurance should be considered.
Limited companies may need Employers' Liability Insurance where they employ staff, have directors who are also employees, use site workers or engage labour-only subcontractors.
Part-time employees can still create Employers' Liability responsibilities. The fact that someone works reduced hours does not remove the need to consider cover.
Casual workers should be disclosed when arranging cover, especially if they work under the business's direction, use its tools or equipment, or help during busy periods.
Temporary staff can be exposed to workplace hazards even if they only work for a short period. Agency or temporary worker arrangements should be discussed clearly.
Apprentices may need to be included because they work for the business and may be exposed to workplace risks while learning their role.
Volunteers can create Employers' Liability considerations for charities, clubs, events and community groups. Their role, supervision and duties should be explained when arranging cover.
Work experience students and placement workers may need to be considered because they can be exposed to workplace hazards and require supervision.
Labour-only subcontractors are often treated more like employees for insurance purposes because they may work under the direction and control of the business.
Labour-only subcontractors usually work under the direction of the business and may use its tools or materials. Bona fide subcontractors are usually independent businesses with their own supervision, methods, insurance and responsibility for the work.
Staff working from home can still be employees. Home working arrangements should be disclosed, particularly where workstation setup, equipment, stress or work-related injury concerns may arise.
Employers' Liability Insurance can be relevant for staff working away from the main premises, including customer sites, events, construction sites, managed properties and mobile work locations.
It may respond to certain work-related illness claims, depending on the policy wording and circumstances. Illness allegations can involve exposure, stress, repetitive tasks or unsafe working conditions.
Manual handling injuries are a common workplace risk. Claims may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, moving stock, handling deliveries or working with materials.
Work-related stress allegations may be considered under Employers' Liability Insurance depending on the circumstances, evidence and policy wording.
Employers' Liability Insurance may help with legal defence costs where an insured claim is made and needs investigation, defence or settlement.
Insurers may ask about risk assessments, training, PPE, manual handling, machinery safety, working at height, accident records, safe systems of work and supervision arrangements.
If your workforce changes, you should review the policy. New employees, different job roles, increased wages, temporary workers or higher-risk work may need to be disclosed.
Employers' Liability Insurance generally relates to claims by people working for the business. Public Liability Insurance generally relates to claims by third parties such as customers, visitors, clients or members of the public.
Professional Indemnity Insurance relates to advice, design, consultancy, errors and omissions. Employers' Liability Insurance relates to injury or illness claims made by workers.
Yes, Employers' Liability may be included as part of a wider Commercial Combined Insurance arrangement for businesses needing several covers in one programme.
The required amount can depend on legal requirements, policy standards, contracts and the nature of the business. A broker can explain the limits available and what may be suitable.
Information may include business activity, employee numbers, wages, clerical and manual split, subcontractor use, work locations, hazardous work, machinery, previous claims and health and safety controls.
New businesses can often seek Employers' Liability Insurance where they are taking on staff or workers. Details of planned activities, wages, staff numbers and work locations may be required.
Charities, clubs and associations may need Employers' Liability Insurance for paid staff, volunteers, helpers, event teams or people working under their direction.
Yes. Property management companies may need cover where they employ cleaners, caretakers, maintenance staff, gardeners, concierge staff or administrative workers.
Contractors may need Employers' Liability Insurance where they employ staff, use labour-only subcontractors, supervise site teams or engage workers for construction, maintenance or installation work.
Quote Monkey provides access to a range of business insurance routes. Eligibility can depend on the nature of the business, staffing arrangements and risk details.