'These proposals are not going to help us' - Newmarket and Lambourn trainers share concerns over new immigration measures

Trainers in the racing centres of Newmarket and Lambourn have expressed concern over immigration measures announced by the government which threaten to deepen the industry's staffing crisis.

Among the measures being introduced next spring is an increase in the minimum salary for overseas workers to enable them to gain a visa, from £26,200 to £38,700.

In October, six key racing roles – racing groom, stallion handler, stud groom, stud hand, stud handler and work-rider – were recommended for addition to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), which allows skilled workers easier access to visas, a move welcomed by the industry which has an estimated shortfall of 2,000 workers.