Prospect secures settlement for Southend United groundsman sacked after 27 years

Prospect has reached a mutually acceptable agreement for Southend United’s groundsman, Ken Hare, whose employment was terminated in January after 27 years of service.

Ken was dismissed on 21 January 2017 after Southend’s home match against Bolton was postponed because the pitch was frozen.

He contacted his professional body, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IoG), and his trade union Prospect.

Prospect national secretary Alan Leighton represented Ken in the negotiations with Southend chair, Ron Martin.

‘Without my union, I would have had difficulty resolving this’

Alan 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 said: “I am delighted with the outcome and would like to express my thanks to Prospect, the IoG and Southend’s chair, Ron Martin, for helping reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

“Without the support of my union, I would have had difficulty resolving this. I would encourage all my grounds staff colleagues to join Prospect and the IoG.”

Alan added: “This was a hugely important issue for Ken and for grounds staff more generally. Employees in football clubs need the support of an independent friend in the workplace because problems can arise at any time.”