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3% pay rise recommended by GMA

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3% pay rise recommended by GMA: Following research commissioned by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), conducted by Myriad Research*, a recommendation of a 3% increase in national minimum salary bands for all levels of grounds staff is being recommended this year by the not-for-profit membership organisation.

In addition, the GMA suggests that the ‘bonus’ amounts paid in recognition of those with GMA qualifications should increase to £675 per band – a rise of 3.8% – extending from £675 for Level 1 accreditation up to £4,050 for Level 6.

3% pay rise recommended by GMA

3% pay rise recommended by GMA

The increases outlined in the GMA’s 2022 National Salary Framework report are made against a backdrop of forecast growth in the economy (of 6.5% in 2021 and 6% in 2022), as well as projected increases in both CPI (Consumer Price Inflation) and RPI (Retail Price Index) inflation.

The GMA’s recommended national basic salary bands, with effect from 1 January 2022, relate to the minimum basic salary and are not ‘salary ranges’. There is no maximum salary specified for grounds staff as experienced staff in some sectors (notably professional sports) would be expected to earn well above the average in other sectors. If this is the case, these recommendations can be used purely as a recommendation for annual uplift. Bonuses, overtime, and subsistence payments have not been included and are therefore additional. Regional pay variations have been considered, with higher cost areas of the country expected to make salary awards at the upper levels of the appropriate band.

To accompany the recommended salary bands, the GMA publishes sample job descriptions that reflect the typical job responsibilities and experience required for each level within the industry career hierarchy. The GMA recommends that competent and effective job performers whose job content relates closely to the ‘standard’ position description should be paid at the mid-point and upper pay levels of the bands.

Following the GMA’s research, the recommended salary bands for 2022 are:

Job Level National Basic Salary Bands Per Annum (lower end) National Basic Salary Bands Per Annum (upper end)
Grounds Manager £38,230 £59,224
Head Groundsperson £32,605 £44,750
Deputy Head Groundsperson / Sole Charge £26,675 £34,045
Groundsperson (Skilled) £24,946 £31,823
Groundsperson £19,986 £25,496
Junior Groundsperson (aged 17) £16,993 N/A
Junior Groundsperson (aged 16) £14,112 N/A

 In addition to the updated salary bands, it is recommended that all grounds staff receive financial recognition within the salary scale for successful completion of a relevant professional qualification, such as those offered through GMA learning. The total amount received should be directly linked to the highest level of qualification attained, with the highest amount, awarded for those who hold a GMA Level 6 qualification, being an additional £4,050 to the individual’s existing salary.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA says:

“The GMA is working to elevate the sector and its perception so that, in turn, grounds staff get increased recognition and reward – such as salaries that meet the level of skill or demand.

“With a stagnant economy riding the pressures of COVID-19, many industries are facing economic challenges, but our National Salary Framework is imperative to shaping the future of grounds management.

“But we can’t do this alone. We must all work together to educate those outside of our sector to help understand it’s value. You can visit our website to find out more about the practical ways this salary framework can support your role or recruitment.”

GMA members can access the full report via their online member portal at: https://thegma.org.uk/user

The GMA’s Training Needs Analysis service is designed to support managers and grounds staff in mapping out a training and education journey. To find out more, visit: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training-needs-analysis

To improve your knowledge and develop the skills needed to receive a higher salary, see our training options at: https://thegma.org.uk/learning

Gain access to our full report, as well as a wide range of other member-exclusive benefits, by becoming a GMA member. Find out more at: https://thegma.org.uk/membership

*The research was carried out independently by Myriad Research (www.myriadresearch.co.uk) using several data sources for analysis.

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Reform launch 3 new Metrac models

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Reform launch 3 new Metrac models: Reform is expanding it’s Metrac series and presenting three new models of it’s successful implement carriers; the H60, H70 and H95.

Simon Richard, UK Agent for Reform products says, “ Powered by Perkins exhaust stage 5 common-rail diesel engines the new Metrac hydrostatic drive, all wheel steering, H60 (61hp) and H70 (75hp) models are compact all-rounders for the UK ground care sector. A long wheelbase option delivers performance, safety and turf protection on all terrain, including slopes of up to forty five degrees and powerful front and rear linkages, each with 1,500 kg lifting capacity, provide enormous versatility in all seasons. Operator comfort is a priority with all round visibility, noise insulation, heating and air conditioning and comfort seats, with armrests on both sides. With a removable cab, providing ease of maintenance on all essential vehicle components, the cooling system, engine, electronics and fresh air intake are quickly and easily accessible.

Reform launch 3 new Metrac models

Reform launch 3 new Metrac models

Combining safety with comfort and based on the successful Metrac H75, the new 95hp Perkins stage 5 common-rail diesel engine powered H95hp model is a powerful addition to the series. A torque of 410 Nm ensures sufficient power in all driving and working situations and, in combination with the comfortable hydrostatic drive, offers optimum safety, especially on slopes.The long wheelbase option increases stability and ground hugging, the driver’s cab offers comfort and user-friendliness. The new Metrac H95 is also available in the “pro” version, which features

automatic air conditioning, the high-quality additional “R-Guide” display, cruise control, including limiter function and automatic linkage as standard”

For more information visit www.slopemower.co.uk

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3, 2, 1… GO

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3, 2, 1… GO: Reesink Turfcare has announced a package promotion offering an incredibly competitive deal on four of its most popular models in the TYM tractor range.

Customers looking to purchase a new tractor can benefit from a three-year ‘Bumper-to-Bumper’ warranty, two years’ interest-free finance and now the option to upgrade the tractor with a front loader for just £300 when purchasing either a T393, T433, T503 and T754 before the middle of September.

3, 2, 1... GO

3, 2, 1… GO

The package deal is available on just a limited number of tractors and is only available for a short period or while stocks last. Reesink’s Tractor Sales Manager Steven Haynes says: “Much of 2020 has been focussed on thinking about how we can best support our customers, working out the best deals and in this case the best combination of deals for this all-encompassing promotion that allows them to deliver what they need for their business and customers.

“Finances are under pressure in uncertain economic times, but that doesn’t change how vital having a reliable and economic tractor in the fleet is to get the job done properly. We chose these four tractors because they cover most applications and most turfcare requirements and are the models most widely sold, so we’re confident there’s something that will suit everyone.”

Let’s look at the benefits each aspect brings to the package: the new finance deal is interest-free for two years with two payments and 22 monthly repayments thereafter. The scheme is based on financing up to 60 percent of the tractor’s retail price.

The three year ‘Bumper-to-Bumper’ warranty brings peace of mind, says Steven: “It makes good business sense to ensure your tractor investment is cared for against any unforeseen expensive repair costs, and Reesink is offering protection on the whole tractor for three years or until 2000 hours, whichever comes first, at no extra cost.”

And finally in the new ‘3, 2, 1’ deal is the additional benefit of being able to upgrade the tractor with a new front loader for just £300, which is a significant saving when loaders can retail for over £3-5,000. Tractors are truly versatile machines and adding an optional attachment such as a front loader opens up their capabilities. Steven says: “We chose the front loader because it’s an indispensable piece of kit and a popular addition to a tractor. We feel that this combination of deals benefits the customer the most. They bring together an extremely cost-effective way to buy the attachment most likely needed, an achievable way to buy the tractor required now, and peace of mind.”

Steven concludes by saying: “We’ve never done a package promotion like this before, quite simply because we have never felt we needed to. Our deals are such that they stand alone for their competitiveness and the benefits they bring. However, we are renowned for bringing our customers more and these are unprecedented times, so we felt we needed to create something unique for our customers. It is without question a fantastic package which we hope offers customers a way to make a tractor purchase without worry.”

Promotion is applicable until mid-September and is strictly subject to stock. Finance is for business users only, subject to acceptance and only available in the UK. The £300 loader offer is only available as part of this package deal and not available to purchase separately. To find out more contact Reesink on 01480 226800 or email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

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Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen: Ransomes Jacobsen will be showcasing the revised model of the Highway 3 triple cylinder mower on stand H090 at SALTEX 2019. 

The lightweight mower is popular in the commercial market and is well known for its high work rate, slope stability and manoeuvrability. To increase the mower’s already impressive output, drive train improvements have been made to boost the overall efficiency and compliment the Euro Stage V compliance.

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

The new drivetrain is central to the increased work rate and Ransomes Jacobsen director of international product development, Richard Comely is looking forward to exhibiting the machine at the Birmingham NEC.

He said: “SALTEX is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase new products, network with customers and keep our fingers on the pulse of the sectors we sell into. Triplex cylinder mowers are still one of the most flexible and productive vehicles to cut grass with, and we will be showing a revised, Euro Stage V, Ransomes Highway 3 with a more efficient drivetrain at the exhibition.

“The Highway 3 is typically used on large areas for extended periods of time, so productivity is an important aspect of the mower. It was a case of improving something that was already performing very well, but the new drivetrain has made a difference and we’re very pleased with the outcome.”

Other machines on stand H090 will include the TR320 triplex mower, HR300 out-front mower, Cushman utility vehicle and the HM600 wide-area mulching flail mower. The latter utilises flail units which have been developed in a close collaboration between Ransomes and Müthing, an industry leader in innovative and trusted flail technology.

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

Ransomes Product Manager Lee Kristensen commented: “The partnership developed a highly productive and reliable mower that is capable of working in a wide range of conditions. The result has been a flail that matches the power output of the HM600 tractor, allowing users to cut down dense grass leaving an evenly spread after-cut finish every time.”

The HM600’s cutting capabilities come from the ‘M’ type carbide flails and ‘shark fin’ shredding bar. The floating cutting heads follow the contours of the ground while the unique action of the units cuts the grass multiple times as it travels around the flail head and mulches the grass while it breaks down before evenly spreading the clippings. Heavy duty rollers complete the fine turf finish. A temperature controlled reversing fan ensures the air intake screen is clear for optimum engine cooling and continuous function.

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1 In 3 Grassroots Pitches Adequate

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1 In 3 Grassroots Pitches Adequate: Only one in three pitches at grassroots level is of adequate quality, says the Football Association.

The figure is part of the FA’s written evidence for a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) parliamentary hearing on Wednesday about the possible sale of Wembley Stadium.

The FA says it is “considering a sale because it represents a transformative opportunity” to change “the poor state of community football facilities”.

The DCMS hearing starts at 14:00 BST.

The FA has received an offer of £600m for the national stadium from Fulham owner Shahid Khan – the governing body would retain Club Wembley rights which it values at £250m-£300m.

Among those taking part in the DCMS hearing are Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

Sport England chair Nick Bitel, former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville and Katrina Law, co-chair of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, will also answer questions.

The problems with grassroots football?

There are 21,000 grassroots clubs, 50 county FAs, 25,000 schools and 330 local authorities which are catered for by the FA and, along with the finding that only one in three grassroots pitches are of adequate quality, the FA’s written evidence also highlights:

  • 150,000 matches were called off last season due to poor facilities
  • One in six matches are called off due to poor pitch quality
  • 33 of 50 county FAs are without their own 3G pitch
  • Cancelled matches account for the equivalent of 5,000,000 playing opportunities lost this year because of poor facilities
  • There are half the number of 3G pitches in England than there are in Germany

“The word for grassroots football is ‘crisis,'” said Kenny Saunders, who runs pressure group Save Grassroots Football. “Government cuts to local councils are having a massive impact.

“Councils can’t maintain pitches and more of them are selling them off.

“I would welcome the sale of Wembley if the money is ring-fenced for grassroots football and used wisely. We need to build from the bottom.”

How much does the FA currently spend on grassroots football?

Since 2000, the FA says it has invested around £615m in grassroots football along with the Premier League, Sport England and the DCMS.

The FA has put £127m back into every level of football during the 2017-18 season and this will rise to £180m from the 2018-19 campaign onwards.

“In 2017, investments included £13m in coaching and participation; £17m to the county FAs for the delivery of community football; £4m in disability, equality and child protection; £20m investment in community football facilities; £5m for women’s football development (taking our total spend in women’s football to £13m); £36m in FA competition prize funds; £18m of investments in other football organisations and £14m of various other investments,” said the FA.

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