Prosecutions

Business owner fined for not having employee liability insurance 06/04/2010 A Northumberland fruit shop owner has been fined for not having compulsory insurance to cover injury claims by employees.

The owner was investigated in May 2009 by the Health and Safety Executive after it was informed he did not hold employers' liability insurance.

He was fined a total of £2,100 and ordered to pay £1,850.80 costs at Belington Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of four breaches of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.

While public liability insurance is generally voluntary, employers' liability insurance is compulsory and enables an employer to meet any costs relating to employees' injuries or illness whether caused on or off site.

After the case a HSE Inspector said there is no excuse for not having the insurance. She said:

"Employers' Liability insurance is a legal requirement for all employers in Great Britain.

As well as being a legal requirement, the insurance offers important protection for employers if an employee is injured or suffers from disease as a result of their work.

The failure of employers to insure is seen as a serious matter and HSE will continue to refer appropriate cases to the magistrates for their consideration."

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