Employers (EIG) 10-K 2012 FY Annual report

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-140395, 333-142135, 333-152900, and 333-168563) of our reports dated March 1, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 1, 2013