The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is recommending a 2.5 per cent increase in grounds staff’s national minimum salary bands for 2017. This compares to a recommended two per cent increase for greenkeepers, made by the Committee for Golf Club Salaries.
The suggested uplift - in salary bands across all grounds staff categories - reflects the uncertain economic climate and higher than expected levels of inflation, as well as the general level of pay settlements across the markets, says the IOG.
But while the rise is unlikely to ensure that pay growth keeps pace with inflation, it is of the same scale as the majority of recent awards (between median and upper quartile) and strikes the correct balance between affordability and a competitive market rate. The increase will also, says the IOG:
• Maintain an affordable pay structure for all grounds staff
• Align pay increases with overall market trends
• Assist grounds staff in managing the rising cost of living
• Ensure sustainability in the face of an uncertain economic outlook.
Indeed, outside of groundscare, the majority of private sector pay awards are now predicted to be two-three per cent, and the majority of awards in leisure industries between 1.5-2.5 per cent. Pay restraint continues in the public sector, with the local government award over the next year being one per cent with additional money for the lowest paid.
Based on independent industry-wide research, the IOG also suggests percentage extensions to each pay band – five per cent for grounds managers, three per cent for head groundsmen and two per cent for all others - to not only allow for additional professional development and career progression, but also to bring parity with equivalent professions.
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