Nationality pay gap rivals gender in hospitality industry

An analysis of pay based on candidates registered in 2017 with luxury hospitality recruiter, The Change Group, has revealed significant levels of pay disparity by gender, nationality and job function.

Across all roles and nationalities, there is a 7.3% gender pay gap across the hospitality sector, which equates to men being paid on average £2,000 more than women.

Meanwhile, there was also a nationality pay gap as British workers were found to be paid on average 20.3% more than employees from other EU countries, or over £5,800 per year more, and 14.4% more than those from non-EU countries, or over £4,300 more.

Overall, in front of house positions, EU workers are paid 19% less than British employees (£5,705) and those from other parts of the world are paid 12.2% less (£3,891). Meanwhile, the gender pay gap is 10.8%, with women front of house paid on average £3260 less than men.

The gap decreases among more junior front of house waiters and waitresses, where the gender pay gap is only 2%. In this instance, UK employees were paid 4% less than those from either other EU or non-EU countries. The group suggested that this could be because these are among the lowest paid roles in hospitality and are often at minimum wage level.

The gender pay gap rises to 11.5% back of house, with male chefs earning on average almost £3,000 more than women. The nationality pay gap is also higher in the kitchen than front of house with British employees being paid on average 15.1% or around £4,000 more than workers from the European Union, and 10.4% (almost £3,000) more than workers from other non-EU countries.

The gender pay gap among front of house managers is the highest of all at 13.7%. Meanwhile, British hospitality managers are paid on average 12.5% more than EU employees (almost £4,000) and 10.5% more than those from other non-EU countries (£2,500).

Sommeliers from all nationalities retain their pay premium among other front of house employees, earning on average 19.5% more.

Craig Allen, founder and director of The Change Group, said: “Our annual research shows that people largely work in hospitality because they love the industry but remuneration has to be fair to help the industry become more sustainable and for equality to prevail, which is why we undertake this analysis.

“If we want to help the industry challenge the US or Asia as best destination for service and food culture then we need to start here by paying a fair wage for a fair job regardless of gender or nationality.

“We would strongly urge hospitality employers to examine salary levels for different types of employees to ensure fairness for all and that the best talent is well rewarded. This is vital to retaining and attracting talent during the continuing and ongoing candidate shortage.”