24/03/2010 - Shop owner fined over insurance
Belington Magistrates' Court has fined a fruit shop owner more than £2,000 for not having compulsory insurance to cover employee injury claims.
The Health and Safety Executive investigated Ian Gray from Northumberland in May 2009 over claims he did not have employers' liability insurance.
He traded as I Gray Fruiterers in Station Road, Ashington.
He was fined a total of £2,100 and ordered to pay £1,850.80 costs 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, HSE Inspector Andrea Robbins, 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."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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