Wednesday 24 August 2016 12:27, UK
The National Joint Council for Stable Staff (NJC), a partnership between the two bodies representing racing's 6,671 staff and their employers, has agreed an increase in minimum rates of 5.5% with effect from October 1st
The rise will be applied across all six current pay scales benefitting junior employees and long-serving senior members of staff equally.
The NJC which meets regularly to review working practices and pay and conditions in Britain's licenced training yards, has also approved the formation of a Working Party to consult on the issue of additional time off for employees, widely regarded as a potential barrier to the recruitment and retention of stable staff.
The Working Party is expected to comprise officers of both the National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) and the National Trainers' Federation (NTF), together with trainers and employees.
NASS Chief Executive, George McGrath, said, "We are very pleased with this agreement which immediately addresses one of the most important concerns of many stable staff, and also provides a commitment to identifying ways to improve the quality of life for our hard-working members by scheduling additional time off. It is encouraging to see the NTF is supportive of measures that will attempt to address the impact on staff of weekend working and we look forward to engaging with the NTF over the next few months.
"Most people in the industry will recognise that stable staff have some ground to make up when it comes to pay. Because the increase we have negotiated comes at a time when interest rates are low and inflation is almost static, we hope it will be of real and immediate benefit to those whose valuable contribution to the sport is gradually becoming acknowledged in a tangible way."
Speaking on behalf of the NTF, Chief Executive Rupert Arnold said, "The framework for agreement between the National Trainers Federation and National Association of Stable Staff on pay and conditions of employment differentiates racing from other parts of the equine sector. With this year's 5.5% increase in rates contained in the Memorandum of Agreement, racing continues to lead the way.
"With additional benefits such as prize money percentage and often accommodation, the full package available to stable staff is attractive. At the same time, like many other industries, racing is dealing with a widespread shortage of skilled staff so we must do what we can to draw more people in and retain them.
"Given that weekend working patterns are unavoidable in an occupation that revolves around caring for horses and servicing an entertainment industry, we will work with NASS to see how the terms in our joint agreement can be adjusted so working hours are attractive to employees while allowing trainers to manage their business efficiently."
