Marvin OnumonuResearch from UCL has revealed that London’s 1.3 million night workers face pay inequality, health issues and transport problems.
The Data After Dark project, led by the UCL Social Data Institute and UCL Urban Laboratory, used mobile phone data, surveys and interviews to look at working conditions and map night work in the capital.
29% of those surveyed earn below the London living wage and 26% work multiple jobs.
Most face irregular work and limited legal protection.
Only 11% of employers are accredited to the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard.
Many reported stress, social isolation and trouble managing conditions like insomnia, migraines and diabetes.
63% had limited access to healthy food while working, and 47% could not get affordable food.
32% said their night commute takes longer than daytime travel.
62% rely on public transport, mainly buses and the Underground, but many cannot use daily fare caps due to shift timings.
20% feel unsafe commuting after dark, especially those with long journeys.
Workers reported harassment, theft and discrimination at work and while travelling.
Researchers recommended fair wages and conditions, flexible training and workplace rights education.
They proposed a review of transport, including extended hours, dedicated night routes and fair pricing.
Additionally, they suggested pilot night worker hubs near employment zones with safe rest spaces.
Other proposals included health support, affordable meals and mental health services, with more research into long-term impacts.
James Cheshire, lead researcher at UCL Social Data Institute, said: “Up to now relatively little data has been gathered on the experiences of night workers because the statistical infrastructure in the UK largely assumes a consistent 9 to 5 working pattern, missing many who work outside those hours.
“Night workers make up a diverse but fragmented workforce that spans multiple sectors, both public and private.
“This includes most commonly hospitality, food delivery, cleaning, maintenance and security work.”
Cheshire added: “London is a vibrant and complex 24-hour metropolis, that relies on those who clean offices, stock shelves and keep deliveries moving while most of us sleep.
“This study highlights the stark differences in their working and economic conditions, that impacts their safety, health and wellbeing.
“Our series of policy recommendations would go some way to addressing these disparities.”
Ben Campkin and Alessio Kolioulis from UCL Urban Laboratory led the voices of night workers report, capturing personal stories to inform policy.
Campkin said: “There’s urgency here. The Employment Rights Bill going through Parliament proposes landmark reforms to UK employment law — including protections against exploitative contracts, day-one rights, and improved sick pay.
“However, if the Bill is to truly be effective, we must understand and act on the lived experiences of night workers, otherwise the legislation may fall short of its promise to ‘Make Work Pay’ for all.”
Matthew Hopkinson, honorary professor of practice and co-founder of Didobi, said: “This research provides the evidence needed to support an often unseen group of workers and businesses.”
Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries Justine Simons, said: “Throughout the night 1.3 million Londoners are working hard to keep our city running.
“Night workers make a crucial contribution across all aspects of London’s culture, hospitality and our wider economy.
“For too long our knowledge of their experiences has been very limited, so this report is an important step forward, and it shines a light on both the challenges and the opportunities.” Simons added: “Working with our partners across the capital we will continue to do all we can to support those working at night, as we build a fairer and better London for everyone.”
