Trainer Jamie Snowden joins calls over racing industry work visas

The horse racing industry will remain "under pressure" if changes are not made to post-Brexit immigration rules, a leading trainer has warned.

The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended making some occupations in studs and racing yards easier for overseas workers to obtain visas.

Jamie Snowden, a trainer from Lambourn, Berkshire, said, there was "definitely a shortage of staff" in the industry.

The Home Office said it would "consider of the findings" of the committee.

Its report said there was "clear evidence" of shortages of roles in the racing and breeding industry, including racing grooms, stallion handlers and stud grooms.

The National Trainers Federation said there were 2,000 vacancies across the country, with a third of staff missing.

It has lobbied the committee for jobs to be added to the Shortage Occupation List, the government's list of occupations for which it is easier for foreign workers to obtain work visas.

Mr Snowden, who has trained almost 400 winners in his career, said: "Certainly since Brexit this has been a bit of an issue - and it's probably been compounded by Covid, with people not wanting to work unsocial hours.

"The pressure put on the people working in the yards is more extreme, they have to work longer hours, if horses aren't being exercised then aren't running as fast as they could be and it puts trainers out of business as well."

"Riding racehorses is a skilled job - you cant just open it up to anyone - they've got to be trained or have a natural affinity. A lot of overseas workers fit the bill," he added.

Paul Johnson, of the National Trainers Federation, called for the government to endorse the committee's recommendations.

"At the moment the industry spends a great deal of effort, energy and money in trying to recruit domestically," he added.

"It's impossible to do some of the things you want to do in the position we are in.

"This is a really big step - it will give us a chance to implement some of the strategies we want."

A Home Office statement said: "We work closely with the Migration Advisory Committee to ensure our Points-Based System delivers for the UK and works in the best interests of the economy, by prioritising the skills and talent we need and encouraging long-term investment in the domestic workforce.

"The government will consider the findings of this report and respond in due course."

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