Yesterday [20.03.2020], the government announced a further range of measures to help businesses fight the corona virus. One of the most welcome announcements was the offer of the government to pay 80% of staff wages. The overall aim is to keep as many people employed as possible until we come out the other side of…
Update on racing’s response: Industry leaders are examining the announcement from the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, that the government is planning to support salaries as part of the response to COVID-19. The Chancellor, who is also the MP for Middleham, made the announcement on Friday afternoon. The package of support will reduce some of the…
Wage subsidies package a vital breakthrough for workers and the economy, says TUC. Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement of TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This is a breakthrough. The Chancellor has shown real leadership. We’re glad he has listened to unions and taken vital steps to support working families. Large-scale wages subsidies are the…
Many racing staff are asking how they can get to work if the nurseries and schools are closed as they are from today onwards. Unfortunately, as you will see from the “Key Workers” listed by the government that racing staff are not on this list. We fully understand the hardship this is going to cause…
Racing leaders are working to a detailed plan coordinated by the industry group set up to tackle COVID 19. The focus of the plan has shifted over the last 72 hours from allowing racing to continue behind closed doors, maintaining high medical and welfare standards, to meeting the immediate needs of individuals facing hardship and…
Some racing staff have asked if the training grounds may close. Currently all the Jockey Club training grounds remain open as usual. This includes Newmarket, Lambourn and Epsom. They do ask that exercise is kept to a minimum. Some staff have also (rightly) asked if we should continue to exercise horses as there may be…
Sick pay provisions guidance issued jointly by the NTF and NARS on 17th March 2020. Someone diagnosed with Coronavirus This person is on a sickness absence and the normal sick pay provisions apply. They can self-certify for the first week and then provide medical evidence to support further absence. Someone who has or potentially has…
The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that all horseracing in Britain will be suspended with effect from tomorrow. Last night, The Jockey Club announced that The Randox Health Grand National has been cancelled due to coronavirus. Two race meetings are scheduled to take place behind closed doors at Wetherby and Taunton today, but race meetings…
An update for staff going racing during the current coronavirus outbreak. All staff are advised to take your own packed lunch/food with you as depending on the courses and circumstances canteens will most likely not be open. Some courses may provide pre packed food, but it is advised to take your own.
NARS Chief Executive answers some of the questions about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on racing staff.