THE Irish Stablestaff Association (ISA) has welcomed the publication of An Employment Guide for the Racing & Breeding Industry, a comprehensive resource of good employment practices produced by Horse Racing Ireland in conjunction with the Workplace Relations Commission.

A working group of industry bodies, including the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, the Irish Stablestaff Association, and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, worked collaboratively on the Guide over the past 12 months, with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission.

The 96-page document comprehensively sets out and explains the responsibilities of employers and the rights of employees under various relevant legislation. The meetings were facilitated by Horse Racing Ireland.

ISA chairman Bernard Caldwell said: “It took a long time to pull this together but the document addresses all the concerns of stable staff and now we just need to get this out there to everyone in the industry.”

Charlie McConalogue, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “The horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland supports almost 29,000 jobs in rural Ireland. These employees have a worldwide reputation for excellence, so I welcome this publication which allows tradition to be harnessed in a modern working environment where employees expect such standards to be in place.”

Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, said: “This Guide contains comprehensive information and direction on a range of matters relating to the employment of people in the horse racing and breeding industry.

“I am delighted with the collaborative approach adopted in compiling this publication with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission. The Guide provides a comprehensive walk through all relevant employment law and health and safety requirements. This collective approach is the best way to achieve enhanced compliance within this important industry.”

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: “HRI is committed to supporting employers to develop and grow within our industry through the recruitment and retention of quality staff. On this basis, the Employment Guide for the Racing & Breeding Industry, can help to improve employment standards and raise awareness of health, safety, and wellbeing.

“This Guide will be kept up to date with any relevant changes to employment legislation and will inform the content for all relevant training programmes for employers within the industry.”