UK Hospitality Pay Drops 10% This Year – What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
The biggest cue change in the hospitality industry is not the menu, but the money‑talk. A fresh survey by Hospitality Jobs UK and KAM Insights – teamed up with the Access Group – shows that salaries across the UK’s hospitality sector have slipped by an average of 10.3% compared with last year. The biggest hit was to hotel staff, who saw a raw decline of almost 17%.
Where the Numbers Slump or lift up
- Contract catering is the lone bright spot – wages went up by 10%.
- Full‑service restaurants lost 7%.
- Fast food, cafés and street food got the longest dip at 13.6%.
Job roles were hit broadly, with the lone exception of directors. Those top‑level veterans saw their payroll climb, while chefs held steady. Front‑of‑house staff took the biggest hit, falling from £24,332 in 2024 to £21,276 next year.
Experience & Age Trends
Across all experience levels, salaries went down, though mid‑career and senior cadres felt the brakes a little less. By age, folks between 36 and 54 saw the biggest drop, from an average of £40,036 in 2024 to £39,133 now.
What’s Still Sticky Among Staff?
While pay is the star of the show, employees also care about:
- Holiday entitlement
- Training & development
- Flexible hours
- Bonuses and tips
- Mentorship
A quote from Anthony Tattersall, General Manager, Hospitality, The Access Group, cut the key point: “Employers must consider the entire package. Employees are looking for more than a paycheck – they crave satisfaction.” He added that this year bonuses and shared parental leave gained importance, while mentorship and dining discounts slipped down the list.
How Staff Actually Use Perks
Even when perks are available, not everyone takes advantage of them. Training and development sessions, flexible hours, and team‑building activities are more popular than:
- Counselling services
- Shared parental leave
- Subsidised gym memberships
- On‑site accommodation
In closing, Tattersall said, “Hospitality lives on people, passion, and adaptability. The sector must match competitive wages with career growth, culture, and tech innovation to thrive both in 2025 and beyond.”
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