Employers' Liability Insurance in Brighton
Employers' liability is the only business insurance required by law—but compliance isn't just about having a certificate on the wall. Who counts as an 'employee' for EL purposes is broader than most business owners realise: labour-only subcontractors, volunteers, work experience placements and agency staff can all fall within scope. Claims can surface years after the exposure, particularly for occupational disease. We ensure your policy reflects your actual workforce arrangements, not just your PAYE headcount, and that your certificate obligations are properly met.
Key points
- Any business with employees
- Companies using casual or temporary staff
- Businesses with volunteers (some policies)
- Firms using labour-only subcontractors
- Training providers with apprentices
- Businesses with work experience placements
Frequently asked questions
- Is employers' liability insurance compulsory?
- Yes. If you employ anyone in the UK (even one person), you must have employers' liability insurance with a minimum limit of £5 million. Failure to comply can result in fines of £2,500 per day.
- Do directors need employers' liability insurance?
- If you're a limited company with employees (including yourself as an employee-director), you need employers' liability. Sole traders with no employees are generally exempt.
- Does employers' liability cover subcontractors?
- It depends on the working relationship. Labour-only subcontractors may be deemed employees for insurance purposes. We can review your arrangements to ensure proper protection.
- How long must I keep my employers' liability certificates?
- You should retain employers' liability certificates for at least 40 years. Occupational disease claims—such as those for asbestos exposure, noise-induced hearing loss or industrial dermatitis—can be brought decades after the original exposure, and the certificate is needed to identify the insurer on risk at the time.
This page is part of https://becks.insure/employers-liability-insurance-brighton. Becks Insurance Brokers is an independent, FCA-regulated commercial insurance broker based in Brighton, advising businesses across Sussex and the UK.