Agreement Expected To Improve Work-Life Balance

[Wandering Eyes]

An agreement reached between representatives of trainers and stable staff is expected to improve the work-life balance of stable staff in Britain.

The agreement was announced by the National Joint Council for Stable Staff, which comprises representatives of the National Trainers Federation and the National Association of Racing Staff. Previous rotas were calculated on the basis of a total 85 hours over a two-week period, and the new agreement is based on a 40-hour work week with minimum rates increased by 4%.

Overtime rates have also been changed: overtime worked in a yard above 40 hours per week will be paid at a single rate of time and a half. Previously, hours on a Sunday were paid at double time. The net effect is forecast at 2.2%.

NARS Chief Executive George McGrath said, “We commend the NTF for enabling us to overcome the final obstacle in allowing us to promote this vital industry role as a career which can be vibrant, exciting and rewarding, and is on a par with other occupations that deliver and enable a modern lifestyle.

“For many years achieving a decent quality of life for our members has been equally as important increasing rates of pay and we are delighted to have been able to negotiate this agreement.”

Rupert Arnold, Chief Executive of the NTF, said, “In recent years both the NTF and NARS have aspired to introduce more flexibility in the pattern of working hours. While the National Joint Council has been searching for a mutually agreeable definition, trainers have been adopting a variety of new ways of working. This is now reflected in the Memorandum of Agreement, which dispenses with a default working week and removes any obstacles to new working patterns.”

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