The Institute of Groundsmanship appears to have bucked the national salary trend by recommending a 4% increase in groundsmens’ minimum salary bands for 2007.

This compares with the 3% average pay deals in all UK industries during 2006 and according to the IOG is designed not only to hoist the recognition and rewarding of grounds professionals, but also to meet Retail Price Index inflation forecasts of 4% until the second quarter of 2007.

The IOG says that its recommendations are in line with its six-year Challenging Perceptions strategy announced at Saltex, aimed at furthering the status of those in the grounds care industry.

Showing the range of suggested pay levels, a youngster of 16 beginning his or her career should take up their first employment on a basic of £9,680, while the ceiling reward for a grounds manager for the first time tops £40,000.

The full list of recommended basic salary bands is as follows: grounds manager £26,230 to £40,008; head groundsman £22,370 to £27,375; deputy head groundsman £18,305 to £22,360; groundsman (skilled) £17,115 to £20,910; groundsman £13,710 to £16,755; junior groundsman (aged 17) £11,620; and junior groundsman (aged 16) £9,680.

Regional pay variations have been taken into account, and the bands do not include bonuses, overtime and subsistence payments, nor the benefit of any accommodation that may be provided.

Accompanying these recommendations the IOG has published Position Descriptions to reflect typical job responsibilities and experience required for each level of position, so that employers can evaluate varying responsibilities and circumstances.

Such variables will include: the number of sports being played; the level of sport; the intensity of use; the total acreage managed; staffing levels; budgetary responsibilities; and any qualifications that are required.