In April 2025, the UK government will implement significant increases to both the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW), aiming to enhance the financial well-being of millions of workers. The NLW, applicable to individuals aged 21 and over, will rise by 6.7% from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour. For workers aged 18 to 20, the NMW will see a substantial 16.3% increase, moving from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour. These adjustments are projected to benefit over 3 million workers across various UK sectors (gov.uk).
In the events industry, compensation packages are notably higher than the forthcoming minimum wage thresholds. According to Live Recruitment's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) report set for release in April 2025, the average salary across the entire events sector is £35,000, with typical salaries ranging between £28,000 and £45,000. For professionals aged 18 to 24, the average salary stands at £30,000, with a typical range between £26,000 and £38,000.
When these annual salaries are broken down into hourly rates, based on a standard 40-hour workweek, the figures are as follows:
Overall Events Industry:
Average Salary: £35,000 per annum | £16.83 per hour.
Salary Range: £28,000 to £45,000 per annum | £13.46 to £21.63 per hour.
Professionals Aged 18-24:
Average Salary: £30,000 per annum | £14.42 per hour.
Salary Range: £26,000 to £38,000 per annum | £12.50 to £18.27 per hour.
These hourly rates significantly surpass the new NMW of £10.00 for 18 to 20-year-olds and the NLW of £12.21 for those aged 21 and over.
Looking at some specific sectors within the events industry reveals even more competitive compensation:
Conference & Exhibition Organiser Sector:
Overall Average Salary: £40,000 per annum | £19.23 per hour.
Aged 18-24 Average Salary: £33,000 per annum | £15.87 per hour.
Event/Production Agency Sector:
Overall Average Salary: £38,000 per annum | £18.27 per hour.
Aged18-24 Average Salary: £30,000 per annum | £14.42 per hour.
Technical Sector:
Overall Average Salary: £35,000 per annum | £16.83 per hour.
Aged18-24 Average Salary: £26,000 per annum | £12.50 per hour.
These figures illustrate that even at the lower end of the pay scale, roles within the events industry offer compensation that exceeds the new government-mandated minimum wages.
Laura Kelly, Managing Director of Live Recruitment, commented on these findings: "The events industry continues to provide competitive salaries that not only attract top talent but also reflect the value and expertise that professionals bring to the table. The forthcoming government wage increases are a positive step, and it's encouraging to see that our industry remains ahead in rewarding its workforce."
In summary, while the government's planned increases to the NMW and NLW represent significant progress in improving pay standards across various sectors, the events industry already offers remuneration packages that are well above these new thresholds. This underscores the sector's commitment to valuing its professionals and maintaining a competitive edge in the job market.