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WORKERS at Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals are “underpaid, poorly treated and work in precarious conditions,” a new report says.
The dossier, compiled by the Fair Fringe campaign, draws together examples of extreme working hours expectations, low pay and no pay, inhumane accommodation and deductions from wages.
Thousands of people descend on the Scottish capital every summer for the theatre, TV, film and books festivals, and their more famous stage and comedy “fringe.”
Many young artists and creative sector workers volunteer their time in exchange for shelter and access to shows, and even paid workers often find themselves out of pocket.
The campaign argues that poor conditions lead to the “physical and mental decline” of the people who prop up the annual comedy and theatre extravaganza.
The report says “an untenable number of Fringe workers are lucky to receive the minimum wage,” while overtime is expected without extra compensation.
A Fringe Society survey showed that over half of workers received an hourly wage below the legal minimum.
This year some fringe venues are offering “volunteers” £200 to work for the entire festival – which Fair Fringe says works out at just 50p an hour. “This equates to the wage of sweatshops,” the report states.
“There is an enormous amount of money floating around the city during the fringe, and none of the workers who make it happen should be paid less than the real Living Wage of £8.75,” the report says.
Responding to the report, Fringe Society chief executive Shona McCarthy said: “We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works on the Fringe, in whatever capacity, has the best experience possible.
“Following our independent venue workers’ survey conducted in 2017, in which 90 per cent of respondents said they would choose to work at the Fringe again, we have been liaising with the city council, participants and venues to positively and proactively address any issues and promote a fair, positive and safe working environment for all.”
The report recommends all venues should sign up to trade union Unite’s fair hospitality charter. As well as the Living Wage, this sets out a requirement for rest breaks, paid transport home at night, full tips and trade union access.