Business Essentials: Employers’ Liability

The BSGA is committed to championing excellence in the United Kingdom’s (UK) signage industry, and our Business Essentials Series is designed to provide members with practical guidance to strengthen your operations, reduce risk, and build confidence.

Each leaflet focuses on a key business topic, offering clear advice to support best practice and informed decision making.

The latest edition, contributed by Brown & Brown (previously SignElite), focuses on Employers’ Liability Insurance – an essential area of business protection that is often misunderstood.

For many employers, the definition of an “employee” can seem straightforward, but within the signage industry, where labour only subcontractors, students, volunteers, and trainees are regularly involved in day to day operations, the responsibilities are far wider than many businesses realise.

This edition explains the importance of understanding who should be covered under Employers’ Liability Insurance and highlights the risks of inadequate cover. Failure to have this cover when it is required could result in fines up to £2,500 per day for businesses operating without the correct protection in place.

This edition provides practical guidance on key areas including:

Understanding different categories of workers and how they are viewed from an insurance perspective.

The distinction between labour-only subcontractors and bona-fide subcontractors.

Ensuring students, trainees, volunteers, and work experience placements are properly covered.

The importance of providing accurate wage and workforce information to insurers and brokers.

The role of ELTO (Employers’ Liability Tracing Office) and why employer reference details matter.

Employers’ Liability can be complex, but with the right guidance and professional support, businesses can ensure they remain compliant and properly protected.

The Business Essentials Series is a practical resource, designed to evolve with the needs of our industry.

By providing clear guidance, promoting collaboration, and reducing barriers to professional knowledge, we strengthen our community and ensure every member benefits from shared insight and best practice.

We encourage all members to explore these resources, apply the guidance within their own operations, and share feedback to continue shaping the Business Essentials Series.

For access to the Business Essentials Series, including the latest edition on Employers’ Liability Insurance, or to contribute your own insights and suggestions for future topics, contact the BSGA team or log in to your member portal.
ask@uksigns.org

Together, we champion safer working environments, elevate industry standards, and drive continuous professional development. Let’s build a stronger, safer industry for 2026 and beyond!