British horse racing received a boost on March 18th with the addition of six important roles to a government list, aimed at addressing the staffing crisis in the sport.
The National Trainers Federation and British Horseracing Authority have been eager to include these roles in the Immigration Salary List, which has replaced the Shortage Occupation List. This change will make it easier to recruit racing grooms, work riders, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, and stud handlers from overseas, thereby helping to alleviate the staffing issue in Britain.
It is estimated that there is a shortage of up to 2,500 individuals, so it came as no surprise that the news on Monday was celebrated by those in the industry. This is especially significant as workers can now be employed at a minimum salary of £30,960 ($39,407, £1=$1.27), which is lower than the £38,700 minimum requirement for other businesses under the government's immigration rules.
"The fact that the six racing and breeding roles are part of only a very small number of jobs transferred from the old Shortage Occupation List to the Immigration Salary List shows the government recognizes how crucial they are to Britain's rural economy," said BHA chief executive Julie Harrington.