Bar staff
This factsheet sets out any relevant industry agreements and examples of company pay rates which workers can use to check that they’re getting the ‘going rate’ for their job and as evidence to assist in negotiating a better pay deal. See our Get a better deal leaflet for more tips.
The National Minimum Wage is the absolute minimum rate at which any worker (aged 18 and over) can be paid. Pay above this remains a matter of negotiation between the employer and worker, union or works council. Click here for the current rates.
Bar work is often low-paid and staff rely on tips to boost their pay. Employers may try to include tips as part of their workers' basic pay. The Minimum Wage Regulations give guidance on when tips can count towards pay. See our frequently-asked questionsfor guidance.
Average Wages
According to the government’s New Earnings Survey for 2001 (latest figures available), the average earnings for bar staff are as follows:
| annually | Hourly |
| Bar staff |
£10,157 | £4.88 |
NB. annual rates include overtime and bonus payments, hourly rates do not.
Bar staff tend to work long hours: average weekly hours are 40.2hrs.
Industry Agreements
There are industry agreements covering bar staff who work for London Theatres and Registered Clubs' Associations. These set minimum rates. An industry agreement is a voluntary agreement negotiated between employers and unions, and employers who are part of the agreement are 'honour bound' to pay at least these minimum rates. If you work for one of these employers, you can use the information below to check you’re getting the correct rate. If you work for another employer, you can use these rates as a guide to help you negotiate your pay.
London Theatres
From: 20.11.00. For: 40 hr week | | |
|
Hrs per show | One show nightly | Two shows nightly |
| Bar person |
3.75 | £17.23 | £27.59 |
| Head bar person |
3.75 | £17.71 | £28.31 |
Registered Clubs and Associations
From 15.1.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
Wage:
Steward 1 |
£4.16phr | |
| Steward 2 |
£4.49phr | |
Wage:
Steward 3 |
£4.77phr | |
Holidays: 20 days
London rates: 10% higher | | |
Company Rates
These are examples of rates paid:
Jarvis Hotels
From: 16.2.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
| Adult rate | Youth rate |
Wage:
Provinces |
£4.10phr | £3.59phr |
| London | £4.28phr | £3.74phr |
Holidays: 20 days
Allowances: midnight to 6am- plus 59p phr | | |
Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel
From: 1.7.01. For: 37.5 hr week | | |
| Wage: | £11,703pa | |
| Holidays: 20 days | | |
Six Continents Retail
From: 30.10.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
Wage:
Starter rate | £4.10phr(min) | |
| Higher 1 | £4.25phr | |
| Higher 2 | £4.75phr | |
| Higher 3 | £5.00phr | |
| Holidays: 20 days | | |
Your rights
Once pay rates have been agreed, they form part of the worker's terms and conditions and you have the right to be paid the agreed rate. Employers cannot change any term of a contract without the worker's agreement. See our leaflet on terms and conditions
Low Pay Unit, Jan 2002
Please note that some information contained in this sheet is from IDS Pay Benchmark Directory, November 2001 (produced by Incomes Data Services (www.incomesdata.co.uk))
