Edinburgh Fringe Faces Criticism Over ‘Exploitative’ Job Adverts

Edinburgh, May 16, 2024 – Controversy surrounds the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as an investigation has exposed job adverts offering extremely low compensation for extensive work hours. Interns and reviewers are being offered ‘token payments’ that equate to as little as £1.25 an hour.

The investigation, conducted by The Independent, revealed that companies such as London-based Impressive PR and an unconfirmed employer are seeking workers for 10-hour days, seven days a week, for as little as £200 for the festival’s duration. These roles also require candidates to provide their own accommodation and laptops.

For instance, Impressive PR is offering between £200 and £250 for PR interns to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, with the requirement of covering their own accommodation and laptop expenses. While the company covers phone bills and travel within Edinburgh, the compensation is below the UK’s minimum wage guidelines.

Entertainment Now has posted similar adverts for Edinburgh Festival reviewers, offering £200 for the entire month with expectations of 24/7 availability. Many jobs, perpetuated online via unregulated platforms such as Facebook, fail to meet minimum wage standards.

The festival, set to host hundreds of shows in August, has seen outrage on social media over these employment practices, with critics labeling them exploitative. Additionally, performers have voiced concerns about incurring significant costs, even after sold-out shows.

Despite these issues, organizations like C Venues defend unpaid volunteer roles, emphasizing the opportunities they present for skill development and arts sector inclusivity. They provide volunteers with reasonable expenses, accommodation, and food, maintaining compliance with UK law.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has acknowledged these concerns, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure fair practices in collaboration with agencies like BECTU, Volunteer Edinburgh, and Equity.

The Independent has reached out to Entertainment Now and Impressive PR for comments.