Staff and jockey associations in Ireland outline support and advice on offer

Andrew Coonan, secretary of the Irish Jockeys Association, has assured members that the organisation is fully geared-up to provide every possible support after the unprecedented Covid-19 crisis brought Irish racing to a halt on Tuesday.

"For the past week, when it began to look inevitable that racing would come to a stop at some stage we've been making plans to ensure that all riders would be fully informed and advised", he said.

Coonan said relevant information had been issued through the IJA's messaging app in relation to universal Covid-19 benefits, and that the IJA has four personnel on call to offer specific advice in terms of how to deal with banks, whether in relation to mortgages, car-leasing, or any financial arrangements for which a moratorium may be required.

He added: "Since we're acutely aware of the stress which this situation is bringing to riders and their families we have organised to have people in place to help them sort out arrangements with the banks if they feel unable to do it themselves."

The IJA has issued clear advice for individuals who are self-employed as jockeys, but are also paid employees by virtue of riding-out. Coonan also said that the IJA is also dealing with a number of jockeys who had set up companies.

Coonan confirmed that the IJA is in the process of setting up arrangements for riders to apply for supplementary funding in cases where government benefits were insufficient. He expects to inform members of precise details of the scheme later in the week.

Meanwhile, Bernard Caldwell, chairman of the Irish Stable Staff Association, has expressed strong support for the role played by Horse Racing Ireland as the Covid-19 crisis has unfolded.

He said: "They've been brilliant. They kept the show on the road as long as possible. We supported that decision, and we're satisfied that HRI's strict protocols made the racecourse as safe a place as possible for our members to go about their work. They've kept us informed about contingency plans all along, and it's reassuring to know that they're fully behind everyone who gets a livelihood from the industry."

Caldwell said that stable staff employees who lose their jobs or are sick, or forced to self-isolate, will have to rely on support from the government.

He explained: "As in every other sector, our members will be looking for the full range of government support for which they are eligible, and as an organisation we'll be keeping them informed of developments. It's an unprecedented situation, developing day by day, or hour by hour even, and it's going to be challenging for everyone; whatever their line of work."

Caldwell is hopeful that a sufficient number of horses will remain in training throughout the shutdown to minimise the negative impact on employment.

"The main thing now is that we keep as many people in employment as possible," said Caldwell. "Horses have to be cared for and exercised, and we need to have horses ready to run the moment the ban is lifted. Obviously we don't know when that will be, but we have to be prepared."

Caldwell said that as far as he was aware no stable-staff personnel had tested positive for Covid-19 as a result of potential exposure at the Cheltenham Festival. Nor had he been informed of any instances of a confirmed case of domestic transmission.

IRISH GOVERNMENT COVID-19 EMPLOYMENT MEASURES

The basic payment for employees who have lost their jobs owing to Covid-19 is €350 per week, raised from the government's original €203 payment.

The existing €300 payment for individuals who are sick or self-isolating has also been raised to €350.

Self-employed people are eligible for the Covid-19 unemployment payment.

The government is planning a new wage supplement system in order to keep workers on the books. Employers will be given a rebate to cover the cost of up to €410 per week, or up to 70 per cent of the employee's previous weekly earnings. Employers can top up this amount, if financial circumstances permit.

The wage subsidy of up to €410 is tax-free. Any top-up will be taxed at normal rates.

Based on individual circumstances, such as having dependents, recipients of the Covid-19 unemployment may be eligible for other benefits. Precise details have yet to be worked out.

The wage subsidy scheme will run for an initial three months, and will be reviewed as the Covid-19 situation evolves.

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