Employer Liability

The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 dictates that the vast majority of UK employers must have insurance to cover any compensation claims made by staff as a direct result of industrial accident or disease.

There are a few exceptions to the rule; these include:

• public organisations such as government departments and local authorities;
• health service organisations, such as NHS Trusts;
• other organisations funded using public money, for instance magistrates' court committees;

However all these bodies have their own compensation schemes, in which the compensation is paid using public funds.

Employers' Liability Insurance

Employers' liability insurance guarantees that all employers are capable of covering the cost of employee compensation claims. Your employer is legally required to be insured for at least £5 million, ensuring they are covered in the event that an employee wishes to claim compensation for an industrial accident or disease.

The insurer cannot refuse to cover the cost of compensation on the grounds that your employer has behaved negligently, for instance failing to provide appropriate safety wear or report the incident. Thus, regardless of the cause of your work accident, the Employer Liability Act safeguards your right to financial compensation, whilst at the same time ensuring your employer is capable of covering the cost of your claim.

Does My Employer have Employers' Liability Insurance?

Your employer must display a copy of their insurance certificate in their business premises or electronically, and make it easily accessible to staff. If you cannot find your employer's insurance certificate, and are concerned they may be breaking the law, either contact your local Health & Safety Executive (HSE) office or speak to an experienced work accident solicitor for legal advice and guidance.

Contact Grieves Solicitors

If you have any further questions regarding the Employer Liability Act, have contracted an industrial disease or suffered an injury at work, and wish to speak to an experienced solicitor, contact Grieves Solicitors.

Based in Huddersfield, we specialise in helping the victims of industrial diseases and work accidents claim the compensation they deserve. Call Freephone 0800 0747 644 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you.