Only 28% of UK cinema workers believe they are being fairly paid, according to the Independent Cinema Office’s (ICO) 2026 workplaces survey.
Responses came from people working in cinemas, mixed arts venues, film festivals, film societies and film collectives, and included employees, freelancers and volunteers. Only 2% of respondents came from multiplex cinema workers this year, down from 15% in 2022.
A further 40% said they disagreed or strongly disagreed that they were fairly paid, while 32% said they neither agreed nor disagreed.
Women are more likely to think they are not fairly paid: 43% of women disagreed or strongly disagreed, compared to 36% of men.
Only 2% of respondents fell into each of the four highest salary bands: over £80,000 per year, £70,001-£80,000, £55,001-£70,000 and £50,001-£55,000.
The survey was conducted of 620 anonymous respondents between March and April 2026, with the ICO working alongside independent research charity the Bridge Group. It captured roughly 3% of the total workforce. The last workplace survey undertaken by the ICO was in 2022.
A total of 80% of respondents said they work beyond their contracted hours, with 48% saying they are compensated with time off in lieu, but only 14% saying their additional hours are paid.
In terms of training, 79% of respondents report at least one barrier to accessing training, with a lack of time and employer funding cited by two thirds. Geographic inequality is clear – 58% of those working in Wales and the north of England cite a lack of nearby provision, compared to just 13% in London.
There are challenges in workforce retention among early career workers. While 73% intend to continue in the sector, a quarter are undecided or likely to leave. Highest rates of uncertainty about staying in the sector are among those with fewer than five years’ experience (34%) and those working more than 49 hours a week (42%).
”This year’s survey shows that the pipeline into independent exhibition is still under real strain,” said Catharine Des Forges, director of the ICO. ”People from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from less advantaged socio‑economic backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented, and these inequalities become even more pronounced in leadership roles.
”At the same time, organisations are becoming increasingly reliant on volunteers and in a challenging economic climate often do not have the resources to invest in the development of the workforce they need.”
Demographics
Since the last survey in 2022 when 15% of respondents identified as volunteers, the share has now doubled to 31%. Men are more likely to work as volunteers (52%) than women. Permanent employees make up 42% of the workforce.
The prevalence of unpaid work experience has dropped slightly from 40% in 2022 to 37% in 2026, but the survey notes, “this still constitutes a significant barrier for those who cannot afford to work without remuneration”, with women, and respondents from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds disproportionately more likely to have undertaken unpaid work experience.
People from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds are notably absent from the senior manager level (the second most senior tier), at 8%, below their 11% share of the overall sample. At the director/executive level, they make up 13%, while at the administrator/assistant/usher/box office level, it’s 16%.
Further analysis reveals respondents from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds are more likely to work within organisations that are less established or more accessible to self-start, such as film festivals, film clubs, societies, collectives, pop-ups and community cinemas. Specifically, 65% of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse respondents report working in these types of organisations, compared to 44% of white respondents.
Women represent most of the workplace at all levels of seniority, most notably with 67% identifying as female at the administrator/assistant/usher/box office level, and narrowing out to 57% female at the top director/executive level.
In line with 2022, 89% of respondents identified as white, compared to 79% of the wider working-age population. The sector continues to be overrepresented by higher socio-economic backgrounds (determined in this survey by parental occupation aged 14, type of school attended age 11-16, free school meal eligibility and highest parental qualification), with 57% of respondents coming from high socio-economic background, compared to 37% of the general population, and approximately 60% across the wider creative sector. This pattern is unchanged from 2022.
The survey suggests the sector is ageing – the proportion of respondents aged 50 or over increased from 31% in 2022 to 42% in 2026, while those 30 and under have fallen from 25% to 18%.
One in four respondents (24%) identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual or self-described in another way, far exceeding the national average (5%).
Respondents with a health condition, impairment or learning difference are more prevalent (34%) than in the wider working age population (24%). Mental health conditions remain the most reported type of health condition.
One‑third of self‑employed respondents (33%) say they freelance because they cannot find suitable employment. At the same time, far fewer freelancers report being able to secure enough work (down from 36% in 2022 to 20% in 2026).
Geographic concentration of jobs in London and the south east of England persists. The combined London and south east region accounts for 32% of respondents’ workplace postcodes, down slightly from 36% in 2022. Scotland accounts for 18% of respondents, a notable increase from 14% in 2022.
“The findings give us a roadmap for change,” added Des Forges. ”With targeted investment and a renewed focus on developing and retaining diverse talent, the sector can build a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves. The ICO is committed to working with partners across the UK to ensure that independent cinema remains a place where everyone can build sustainable, meaningful and joyful careers.”
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