Compensation for groom refused pool-money
A FEMALE groom, who the BHA said was not entitled to a share of stable pool-money, has pocketed more than £3,700 following an out-of-court settlement with trainer Nick Williams.
The National Association of Stable Staff, which championed the claim of Claire Boumphrey, 27, insists the case sets an important precedent for part-time workers, and plans to tackle racing's regulators in Shaftesbury Avenue over the matter.
Williams, who told Boumphrey she would not be eligible for a percentage of pool-money when joining his Devon yard as a part-timer in September 2007, and dismissed her last August after the NASS became involved, agreed to pay £3,792 three days before an Employment Tribunal hearing was due to get underway in Exeterearlier this month.
The National Trainers' Federation advises its members to ensure pool-money agreements are not discriminatory, but Williams is not signed-up with the trade body.
Nass chief executive, Jim Cornelius said: "This case was particularly important because one of the reasons the trainer has responsibility to oversee the pool-money payment procedure is to ensure the criteria does not discriminate against part-time workers who would more likely be women. "
He went on: "One aspect of the case that we will be pursuing further is that Mr Williams stated in his response to her Employment Tribunal claim that the BHA had adjudicated that Ms Boumphrey was not entitled to pool-money."
BHA spokesman, Paul Struthers, said: "Our job in respect of pool-money is to ensure it is paid out under the terms that have been agreed for each individual stable, as it was in the case with Nick Williams. Every yard operates its own policy and we don't police what has been agreed."
Boumphrey, who has been receiving pool-money as a part-timer at Victor Dartnall's stable since last November, said: "I am very grateful for everythingNASS has done for me."
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