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More than half (51%) of self-employed home carers in Brighton and Hove have suffered a serious workplace injury, according to new research which highlights the physical demands of caring alongside ongoing uncertainty around insurance and legal liability.
A survey of self-employed carers working in family homes across Brighton and Hove found:
- 51%Â have suffered a serious workplace injury.
- 84%Â have experienced a minor injury.
- 100%Â have experienced an injury or accident at work during their career.
- 35%Â have personally covered the costs of a workplace injury.
- 100%Â have cared for a client who was injured or involved in an accident.
- 52%Â said the client’s injury or accident was serious.
Despite the prevalence of workplace incidents, the research, commissioned by specialist insurance provider Surewise, highlights ongoing confusion around legal liability and uncertainty over insurance needs.
The survey found:
- Only 39% correctly identified that a carer could be held legally liable if a client was injured because of the care they provided.
- 59%Â believed responsibility would lie with the household.
- Less than half (46%)Â said they have public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance can help protect carers if they are found legally liable for accidental injury to a client or damage to their property, helping to cover legal defence costs and compensation claims.
Stuart Bensusan, director at Surewise, said:Â “Carers work in challenging environments every day where the risk of injury and accidents is high. Yet despite these risks, many still appear unsure about where legal responsibility sits if something goes wrong, or whether they have the right insurance in place.
“If a client is injured and you’re found legally liable, not having appropriate cover could leave you facing significant legal and financial costs. It’s important for carers not to assume someone else’s insurance will automatically protect them.”
The warning comes as demand for home care is expected to increase across the region. In January 2026, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust reported that over the next 20 years the proportion of people aged 75 and over in the South East will increase from 10% to 15% — an increase of around half a million people.
Surewise is encouraging self-employed home carers to review their insurance arrangements regularly to ensure they have cover that reflects the way they work.
Stuart added:Â “As demand for care at home continues to grow, it’s increasingly important that carers understand their responsibilities and the protection available to them, so they’re not left exposed when accidents happen.”
For more information, please visit www.surewise.com.
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