EDINBURGH COALITION AGAINST POVERTY

ARE YOU INSURED ON A WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT? Advice for jobseekers on the Work Programme - Mandatory Work Activity (MWA) and all other government schemes that may involve a work placement.

Before accepting any work experience placement with an employer you must first find out if you will be covered by their Employers' Liability Insurance. Without liability insurance you will not be insured in the event you have an accident and sustain an injury or contract a disease during the placement. Even though you are not an employee of the company, the employer is legally bound under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 to ensure anyone undertaking a work experience placement is covered by their liability insurance.

Q: Are any organisations exempt from liability insurance? A: Yes; most public organisations including government departments and agencies, local authorities and nationalized industries. National health service trusts, health authorities, primary care trusts and Scottish health boards. Q: Will I be insured on a work experience placement with a private employer? A: The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) say that you MIGHT be insured for a short period of work experience.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK YOUR PROVIDER IF YOU WILL BE INSURED ON A WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT

NO INSURANCE - NO PLACEMENT

Further information Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Guide to Employers' Liability Insurance - PDF Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website

ECAP Publication - April 2012