Ahead of Thank a Greenkeeper Day on Wednesday 23 September, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has launched a new online platform to help its members who find themselves out of work due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
It has been estimated that the coronavirus crisis saw British employers plan more than 300,000 redundancies during June and July as the economic impact of the pandemic hit hard.
Although golf has largely seen a surge in players this summer, as it was viewed as a healthy pastime that could be enjoyed in a safe and socially-distanced manner, sadly the economic uncertainty and revenue lost due to reduced capacity of clubhouses and other facilities mean that the golf industry has not been immune to the impact of job losses.
BIGGA has therefore launched an employment hub on the association’s website, where greenkeeper members can advertise that they are available for work. Golf clubs are encouraged to visit these pages if they have positions available, whether short term or permanent. The listings are completely anonymous and BIGGA will pass on the details of the golf club to the candidate if they show an interest.
Additionally, BIGGA has extended its ‘unattached’ member category whereby any member of the association who is now out of work can apply to receive discounted membership, enabling them to continue accessing the wide range of support and benefits that come with BIGGA membership, which will help in their search for new permanent employment.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “There’s no doubt about it, 2020 has hit everyone hard. Losing your job is tough to deal with at any time, but when things are as uncertain as they are at the moment, it can be very worrying. But if you’re a BIGGA member and you now find yourself looking for work, the association is here to help. This service is completely anonymous and free to BIGGA members. It’s our way of helping you get back on the right track.”
Head to the Careers section of the BIGGA website and click on the Available for Work tab to find out more.
