Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th February 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study provides solutions to staffing crisis in UK horse racing
Elizabeth Juckes led the study as part of a postgraduate dissertation towards a masters degree in Equine Science.

Lack of training and increased hours cited as key issues

An in-depth study carried out by Hartpury University, in collaboration with the British Racing School, has revealed multiple problem areas in the UK horse racing industry which have contributed to the current staffing crisis.

The study asked 30 participants – made up of junior and senior racing staff and racehorse trainers – to provide their views and opinions on why the industry is having problems. The aim of the study was to investigate these issues, and form strategies to address them.

Major concerns included a lack of management training for senior staff, difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance and the departure of employees aged 25 and over.

An increase in race fixtures, low wages, lack of career progression and perceived generational differences in work ethic were also cited highlighted as having an impact on employee retention.

“The British Horse racing Industry has been experiencing a labour shortage since the 1970s,” said Elizabeth Juckes, who led the study as part of a postgraduate dissertation towards a masters degree in Equine Science.

“Despite recent improvement reported in staff retainment, there is still significantly high reported staff turnover compared to other sectors, and trainers experience challenges with recruiting qualified and experienced staff.”

The study suggested that by implementing improved management training schemes and reducing race-day fixtures, senior staff members would be better supported in their roles, day-to-day pressure would be reduced and job satisfaction could be improved for all staff.

Ms Juckes continued: “Whilst retention will remain an issue for the racing industry in the short term, an opportunity exists for the racing industry to consult with all stakeholders to formulate and implement a strategic plan to address the underpinning themes identified by the study to improve the long-term perspective and safeguard the future of racing and the staff who work within it.”

Image (c) Hartpury University.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.