If you have employees, this is the law

Almost every UK business with employees. The only exceptions are very limited—for instance, sole traders with no employees, or certain not-for-profit organisations. If you have even one member of staff (full-time, part-time, temporary, or agency), you must have employers liability insurance. If you're unsure whether your business qualifies, we'll clarify it for free—just call 0208 909 2899.

The legal minimum is £5 million per claim. Many businesses choose higher limits—£10m, £25m, or even unlimited—depending on their sector and risk profile. We'll review your business and recommend appropriate cover. Some customers and insurance underwriters also require you to have higher limits (even if the legal minimum is £5m), so it's worth checking.

Penalties are severe: fines up to £20,000 per day you operate without cover, prosecution leading to imprisonment, and reputational damage. If an employee is injured and you don't have insurance, you face paying the claim personally—which could bankrupt your business. There is no excuse and no waiver; it is compulsory.

Standard employers liability covers your own employees. If you hire contractors, agency workers, or temporary staff, our policies can be extended to include them. Self-employed contractors working on your premises may also need their own public liability insurance. We review your hiring practices and arrange appropriate cover for both your business and your workforce.

Premiums vary based on your number of employees, sector, revenue, safety record, and claims history. A small office-based business might pay £150–£400 annually, whilst construction or manufacturing could be higher. The best way to get an accurate quote is to use our quote form above or call us on 0208 909 2899. We'll review your specific business and provide a detailed quote tailored to your risk.