Research from CV-Library found that catering professionals are missing out on an average of £1,161.60 unpaid overtime.
The independent jobs board also revealed that despite 63.4% of professionals in the catering industry working more hours than they’re contracted to, over half (53.1%) struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month.
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, said: “We’ve certainly built a reputation for ourselves in the UK for working overtime, with full-time employees working two and half weeks more than the EU average. However, the catering industry is suffering a productivity crisis, especially with the loss of EU migrant workers, which is exacerbated by its professionals being overworked and unmotivated.
“Of course, we all have stressful days which cause us to work longer than we’re contracted to. This is especially true of the catering industry, where employees are often required to work anti-social hours. But if you’re continuing to go the extra mile, without your efforts being recognised, then something’s gone wrong. It’s unfair for managers to expect you to give up your valuable time without financial recognition. Know your worth and don’t settle for any less!”
It also found that 83.3% of the industry’s professionals believe they’re underpaid, with the survey revealing that:
- 68.4% of catering professionals go into their overdraft before the end of the month
- 42.9% struggle to pay off their credit card each month
- 40.6% think that colleagues at a similar level earn more than them
It revealed that aside from living costs, the top three expenditures of catering professionals are insurance (31.3%), groceries (28.1%) and eating out (18.8%).
Biggins added: “It’s highly demotivating to feel like you’re putting in extra hours, without reaping the rewards. So, if you think you deserve it, don’t be afraid to ask for a pay review. It will do wonders for your motivation and productivity to have your boss acknowledge your hard work. Plus, we deserve to enjoy our hard-earned money by socialising and eating out with friends, rather than worrying about how to pay the bills at the end of the month.”