Builder's employer liability insurance

Profile9506

Hi,

I am about to have a builder do some renovation work. 

The builder has his own company but says he is the only employee. He has shared proof of public liability, professional indemnity, contract works, personal tools and accident insurance.

However, he says he doesn't have employer's liability insurance because he doesn't have any  employees. 

Is this ok? How may the rest of the tradesmen (e.g plumber, decorators etc) be covered insurance-wise in this scenario?

Doozergirl

If they are labour-only subcontract then they should fall under employers liability. 

If they are bonafide subbies and bring their own tools and equipment, for example,  then they'd be covered by public liability insurance.  

I'd be surprised if he had all those other optional insurances but didn't have the only one he'd need by law (if it were needed)

DullGreyGuy

Employers Liability covers the employer against claims for injury sustained in the workplace due to the negligence of the employer. As such it's of no interest to you.

As a single director company there is no legal requirement for EL, he'd effectively be suing himself if he injured himself. EL isn't purely about employees though, it also includes apprentices, volunteers, work experience and labour only subcontractors. If a subcontractor is providing their own tools etc then they are truly independent and not an employee in disguise and so trigger the need for EL and dont get protected by any EL in place.

EL doesn't cover you for damages his employees do