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 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.
Average Wages
According to the government’s New Earnings Survey for 2001 (latest figures available), the average earnings for porters are as follows:
annually
Hourly
Hospital porters
£13,111
£5.52
Hotel porters
£11,516
£5.13
Kitchen porters
£9,821
£4.94
NB. annual rates include overtime and bonus payments, hourly rates do not.
Average weekly hours for workers in these occupations are long: hospital porters work an average of 43.8hrs, hotel porters 42.8hrs and kitchen porters 39.6hrs.
Industry and National Agreements
There are set pay rates for porters employed by local authorities, universities or the NHS which apply nationally. Although in recent years there have been moves within the public sector towards local flexibility, these rates are still important. If you work for one of these organisations and are employed on national terms you can use the information below to check you’re getting the correct rate. If you work for a private company, or for an NHS Trust or similar body, you can use these rates as a guide to help you negotiate your pay.
Local Authorities (England and Wales) From: 1.4.01. For: 37 hr week
Grade 3: porter
£9,912
Holidays: 22 days, 25 after 5 years
Local Authorities (Greater London) From 1.2.01. For: 37 hr week
Inner
Outer
Scale 3 - Porters
£12,570
£11,856
Holidays: 22 days, 25 after 5 years
NHS From 1.4.01. For: 39 hour week
Min
Max
(Scale B) Caretaker/porter
£163.66
£169.58
Allowances: London zone - £36.13pw, fringe - £4.57
Holidays: 20 days, 25 after 10 years
Universities (pre-1992) From: 1.4.01. For: a 38 hour week.
Porter
£179.25
Skilled/supervisor porter
£188.93
Holidays: 26 days
Allowances: to be determined locally
Porters who work in the furniture trade are covered by the British Furniture Trade JIC. This is a voluntary agreement but all employers who sign up to it are 'honour bound' to pay at least the recommended rates. Check with your employer or union to find out if your company is covered.
British Furniture Industries JIC From 1.1.01. For: 39 hour week
Labourers and porters
£167.8 (min)
Allowances: day shift- + 40p p/hr, nightshift- + 82p p/hr
Corporation of London From: 1.7.00. For: 35 hr week
Min
Max
Wage:
£8,710pa
£9,240pa
Holidays: 23 days, 28 after 5 years Allowances: City-£3,750; inner-£2,840; outer-£1,650
LUGGAGE PORTERS The Dorchester From: 1.1.01. For: 39 hr week
Min
Max
Wage:
£12,527
£12,103
Holidays: 20 days
Rennaissance London Heathrow Hotel From: 1.7.00. For: 37.5 hr week
Min
Max
Wage:
£9,750
£12,103
Holidays: 20 days
KITCHEN PORTERS Ford Motoring Co. Catering Contractors From: 1.8.00
Wage:
£5.15phr
Holidays:
21 days
Extras: 4p phr after 1yr, 5p phr after 2 yrs
Ethicon From: 1.1.01. For: 39 hr week
Min
Max
Wage:
£11,009
£13,761
Holidays: 25 days
Extras: shift allowance
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 the IDS Pay Benchmark Directory, November 2001 (Incomes Data Services (www.incomesdata.co.uk))
