Average pay for temporary chefs rises 20%

Average hourly pay for temporary chefs has risen by as much as 20% in parts of the UK over the past year in response to staff shortages.

The findings by flexible work platform Indeed Flex showed there had been a 97% rise in chef job roles advertised on its platform compared to 2021.

Hourly pay for temporary chefs rose by 11% across the UK on average, compared to 5% for other restaurant roles.

The largest increases in chef pay were seen in Cardiff (20%), Birmingham (16%), York (13%), London (12%), Liverpool (12%) and Warrington (12%).

Many hospitality businesses have struggled to recruit throughout the year and one in nine roles remained vacant in October, according to an industry survey.

Indeed Flex said 57% of chefs taking shifts through its platform were choosing to work more sociable hours similar to a typical 9-5, while just 43% chose to work late nights.

Novo Constare, chief executive and co-founder of Indeed Flex, said: "Times have been tough for the hospitality industry ever since the pandemic began, and unfortunately it continues to wrestle with an acute shortage of staff.

"Intense competition among employers for skilled staff has driven up hourly pay rates for temp workers across the board. Chefs are especially sought after, and can reap big rewards with their expertise.

"Meanwhile for businesses that are struggling to recruit full-time staff, being able to turn to temporary workers has proved a lifeline — as it enables them to fill shifts as and when required. They can also scale their workforce up and down, depending on when they are busiest.

"For the chefs themselves, flexible work offers a chance to do something not everyone in their profession can — work sociable hours and choose exactly when they want to work."

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