Real living Wage – Why is it important?

Real living Wage - What does it mean, why is it important to everyone?

The Occasional Kitchen pays real living wage and more
The Occasional Kitchen pays real living wage and more

In the fast-paced and demanding world of TV and film catering, ensuring that every member of the crew is well taken care of is paramount. This includes not only providing delicious and nourishing meals but also ensuring that everyone is fairly compensated for their hard work. One key aspect of fair compensation is the concept of the real living wage.

What is Real living Wage?

The real living wage is a voluntary rate of pay that is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK. It is designed to ensure that individuals are able to earn enough to meet their everyday needs, such as food, housing, and transportation, without having to rely on government assistance or take on multiple jobs. In the mobile catering industry, where long hours and demanding schedules are the norm, paying the real living wage is essential to supporting the well-being of the crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring TV and film productions to life.

Why is it important to pay real living wage?

There are several reasons why paying the real living wage is crucial in the mobile catering industry. Firstly, it promotes a culture of fairness and respect within the production team. By compensating crew members fairly for their work, production companies demonstrate that they value and appreciate the contributions of every individual, regardless of their role. This can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction, morale, and productivity among the crew, ultimately benefiting the overall success of the production.

Secondly, paying the real living wage helps to combat income inequality within the industry. In an industry where high-profile actors and directors often command hefty salaries, it is important to ensure that the behind-the-scenes crew members who work tirelessly to support the production are also able to earn a wage that reflects the value of their work. By paying the real living wage, production companies can help to level the playing field and promote greater economic equality among all members of the team.

Why does it affect you?

Furthermore, paying the real living wage can have a positive impact on the quality of the catering services provided on set. When crew members are paid fairly, they are more likely to feel motivated, appreciated, and valued in their roles. This can translate into a more positive and collaborative working environment, leading to higher levels of professionalism, creativity, and efficiency in the catering operation. Ultimately, investing in the well-being and satisfaction of crew members through fair compensation can significantly enhance the overall experience for everyone involved in the production.

In addition to the ethical considerations, paying the real living wage in the mobile catering industry can also have practical benefits for production companies. For example, it can help to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry. Crew members who are paid fairly are more likely to feel loyal to the production company and willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of the project. This can result in lower turnover rates, reduced recruitment costs, and a more skilled and experienced workforce, ultimately benefitting the bottom line of the production.

In conclusion, the importance of paying the real living wage in the mobile catering industry, specifically in TV and film catering, cannot be overstated. By compensating crew members fairly for their hard work and dedication, production companies can promote a culture of fairness, respect, and collaboration, while also supporting the well-being and satisfaction of the team. Ultimately, paying the real living wage is not only the right thing to do ethically, but it also makes good business sense, leading to a more successful and sustainable production in the long run.