Survey Reveals Overtime Compensation Gap in UK Hospitality Sector
A recent survey unveils a concerning trend in the hospitality sector: a significant portion of workers are not compensated for overtime. The study, conducted among over 1,300 UK hospitality employees, reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) did not receive extra pay for additional hours worked in 2024, showing a marginal improvement from the previous year’s figure of 64%.
Furthermore, the survey highlights an increase in the number of staff working beyond their contracted hours, with 30% reporting working up to 2.5 hours beyond their stipulated schedule, compared to 26% in 2023. However, there has been a slight reduction in the percentage of employees clocking more than 7.5 hours of overtime per week, dropping from 43% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.
These revelations stem from ‘The UK’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2024’, a collaborative effort between KAM, Access Group, the BII, Hospitality Jobs UK, Montgomery Group, and Otolo. In addition to the overtime issue, the study also delves into the training satisfaction levels among hospitality workers, revealing a split opinion with 50% feeling adequately trained for their roles.
Furthermore, there has been a noticeable shift in mid-level salary distributions. The survey indicates a rise in the number of employees earning £30,000 or less (30% in 2023 to 37% in 2024) and those earning £60,000 or more (13% in 2023 to 16% in 2024). However, average salaries have seen a decline in several sectors, including fast food/cafes, full-service restaurants, and pubs/bars, except for the hotel and accommodation sector, which witnessed an increase from £42,100 to £44,800.
Despite the salary fluctuations, there is a positive trend in employee satisfaction, with 59% reporting a healthy work/life balance in 2024 compared to 51% in 2023. Additionally, over four in five (82%) employees expressed their willingness to recommend a career in hospitality, indicating a generally positive sentiment towards the industry.
Employee benefits remain crucial, with fair salary preferences (95%) leading the list, followed by holiday entitlement (92%), training and development opportunities (88%), flexible work hours (83%), and mentoring programs (75%). As the survey anticipates changes in tipping legislation, 68% of respondents emphasize the importance of tips in supplementing their income.
Jamie Campbell, director of learning at Access Group, acknowledges the sector’s efforts to address traditional weaknesses such as training and benefits. Despite a slight decrease in average salaries, the enhancement of employee benefits has contributed to increased job satisfaction. Campbell emphasizes the importance of sustaining these improvements to retain and attract talent in the future.
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