Press release on behalf of: The Institute of Groundsmanship
Ken was dismissed on 21 January after Southend’s home match against Bolton was postponed because the pitch was frozen.
He contacted his professional body, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) – the leading membership organisation for everyone involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK - which provided support and advice, as well as his trade union, Prospect.
Prospect national secretary, Alan Leighton, represented Ken in the negotiations with Southend United’s chairman, Ron Martin.
Alan Leighton said: “The negotiations were tough, but conducted in a good and fair spirit with each side acknowledging the other’s position in order to reach a mutually-satisfactory agreement.
“The nature of the negotiations was typified by the kind offer of two season tickets for Ken as part of the arrangement. Ken gratefully accepted the offer and hopes to see Southend promoted in 2017/18.”
The terms of the agreement are confidential, but Ken Hare commented: “I am delighted with the outcome and would like to express my thanks to Prospect, the IOG and also the club chairman, Ron Martin, for helping reach a mutually-satisfactory agreement.
“Without the support of my union, I would have had difficulty resolving this without incurring the cost and stress of it potentially being determined at an employment tribunal. I would encourage all my grounds staff colleagues to join Prospect and the IOG.”
Alan Leighton added: “This was a hugely important issue for Ken and for grounds staff generally. Employees in football clubs need the support of an independent friend in the workplace because problems can arise at any time.
“Prospect was able to provide crucial professional advice and representation.”
Alan also paid tribute to Ron Martin for being proactive and prepared to compromise and reach a mutually-satisfactory agreement.
IOG director of business and membership, Tim Gray, said: “Ken’s case was a classic example of why the partnership between IOG and Prospect is so important. It shows why grounds staff should be members of both the IOG – for professional advice and development – and of Prospect, for employment advice and representation.”
About The Institute of Groundsmanship
The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is the leading membership organisation representing grounds managers, groundsmen, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK. As well as maintaining the IOG Performance Quality Standards and providing a consultancy service for sports grounds, lawn maintenance and amenity horticulture, the IOG’s extensive Training and Education programme includes cricket, football, tennis, horseracing, bowls, artificial surfaces, turf science and many other specialist subjects. It also stages the annual IOG SALTEX exhibition, Europe’s leading show for the open space profession. For more information visit www.iog.org
