LONDON’s nightlife performers warned today that their pay has not kept up with the cost of living, as artists’ union Equity found they earned only “a fraction of the living wage.”

Only 2 per cent of entertainers working in the capital’s clubs, bars and theatres said their pay had risen in line with the cost of living increases, with the average yearly take-home at £12,411.

Responding to Equity’s survey on the state of the industry, 33 per cent also reported that an increase in transphobia, misogyny, homophobia and racism in national discourse has made them feel less safe while commuting to work.

About a third (29 per cent) blamed the rightward shift in national politics and the increase in far-right sentiments for the rise in aggression they felt from audiences compared to previous years.

The report was published ahead of Equity’s launch of the London Nightlife Network today, which seeks to organise people in the profession to demand better pay and work conditions.

The union’s variety organiser Nick Keegan said the city’s world-famous nightlife culture was “built on the backs of performers who are earning a fraction of a living wage.”

Nearly all (98 per cent) of the 244 artists surveyed said their pay has not matched the increases in costs, earning an average of £1,371.50 per month.

This puts them at an average of £12,411 a year after expenses, well below the national median salary of £39,039 and the median London salary of £49,692.

Respondents included performers working in cabaret, burlesque, circus, aerial, drag, club and pub singing, comedy, DJing, pole, tribute acts and more.

They asked Equity to publish a rate card with suggested minimum rates for performances.