160,000 SMEs without mandatory employers’ liability insurance risk fines and prosecution

Over 160,000 small businesses in the UK with between one and nine employees, will not have employer’s liability insurance by the end of the year, according to new research from Smart Money People.

The UK’s dedicated financial services review site warns that employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for all businesses that employ staff. It enables businesses to meet legal costs and compensation should an employee’s injury or illness be as a result of their work. Without it, small businesses risk fines from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) of up to £2,500 for each day they are uninsured, and potential prosecution in the event of an incident.

Although there are some exemptions (such as employing family members), Smart Money People’s CEO, Jacqueline Dewey said: “In most cases, employers’ liability insurance is a must. We realise that some small businesses, particularly those at the smaller end of the scale, might understandably be trying to save money at present. However, this is one of those cases where insurance is non-negotiable.”

Small business insurances set to grow in 2023

Smart Money People also analysed which small business insurances are set to have the highest growth rates in 2023.

Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy is likely to see the biggest net increase at 17%, followed by stock insurance (16%), and then key person insurance and legal protection insurance (15%).

The biggest growth area for directors’ and officers’ liability insurance is amongst small businesses with 10-49 employees. This reflects these growing and ambitious businesses’ cognisance of protecting their directors, partners and officers as their enterprise grows.

Although all SME business insurances are set to grow this year, the research found that those who are stopping their policy or reducing their cover have significant concerns:

• 65% are worried about being unable to access the additional support embedded within insurance policies
• 52% are concerned about the financial aspect of being uninsured and not being able to claim, or having to find the funds themselves
• 27% feel they may be unable to pitch for or undertake certain types of work, potentially risking the future growth of their business