The aim of this research was to establish the degree and nature of current unmet need for affordable housing amongst racing staff and to make recommendations as to how that need may best be met.
The research identified a number of housing issues, including lack of affordable housing, problems in accessing private rented housing and maintaining tenancies, a detrimental impact on staff recruitment and retention and the loss of tied housing once a staff member retires. Recommendations include training and awareness raising around housing options, development of temporary accommodation and housing for singles, and industry-wide consideration of working patterns away from the split shift format. Although employers provide different kinds of support with housing, horseracing is a low wage industry leaving some employees at a disadvantage in accessing affordable housing in the private market.
Racing Welfare has developed a plan of action in response to the research which outlines the steps they and the industry are going to take to implement the recommendations.
