Families employing carers could be facing a significant insurance protection gap thanks to many not understanding their legal responsibilities or the level of cover they need, according to Surewise, an intermediary.
A survey of 250 households employing carers found that 78% believe their home insurance covers them if a carer was injured while working in their home, but standard policies typically do not offer such protection.
Two-thirds (66%) believe they have the right insurance in place, but only 42% reported holding employers’ liability insurance.
A third have never checked if their policy covers carers working in their home, while 10% have no cover against such an incident.
Growth industry
Caring is expected to be a growth industry given the UK’s aging population. The Office for National Statistics points to the number of peopled aged at least 85 doubling to 3.6 million by 2049, almost 5% of the population.
For many families arranging care for a loved one is the first time they become an employer and may not understand their legal responsibilities or need for employers’ liability insurance, which could cover claims and legal costs if a carer is injured while working.
And more than nine in 10 (91%) carers in the UK have experience injury or a near miss during their career according to Surewise, while almost half (48%) have suffered a serious injury.
The research discovered that 37% of those surveyed see insurance as too complicated, while 28% are unsure what insurance they need.
Almost a third do not know where to buy appropriate cover.
Land of confusion
Stuart Bensusan, director at Surewise, said there is confusion on both sides of the relationship.
“Households aren’t always clear about their responsibilities and many don’t see themselves as employers, while carers themselves remain uncertain about liability and the insurance that’s appropriate for the way they work.”
Bensusan then offered some important advice to those employing a carer.
“For households, it’s important not to rely on how a carer describes their employment status,” he said.
“Someone who invoices as self-employed could later be found to have been an employee in the eyes of the court, potentially leaving households exposed if they don’t have appropriate cover.
“As home care continues to increase, improving awareness of responsibilities on both sides will be essential to avoid gaps in protection and ensure both families and carers are properly supported.”