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Only 28% of UK film exhibition workforce feel fairly paid, survey finds

The latest UK Film Exhibition Workforce Survey 2026 found that the ethnic profile of the sector has stayed the same since 2022, with 89% of respondents identifying as white. 

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Only 28% of the UK film exhibition workforce feel fairly paid, according to the latest UK Film Exhibition Workforce Survey 2026. 

The survey collected responses from 620 people working in cinema exhibition, including professionals, freelancers and volunteers.

The ethnic profile of the sector has stayed the same since 2022, with 89% of respondents identifying as white. 

The proportion of workers aged 50 or over has risen to 42%, while those under 30 has dropped to 18%. 

One in four respondents identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, which is higher than national averages. 

34% reported a health condition, impairment or learning difference.

57% said they come from high socio-economic backgrounds, a figure that has not changed since 2022. 

The number of volunteers has more than doubled, now making up 31% of the workforce. Most people (80%) work beyond their contracted hours, with more than half saying they do this always or frequently. 

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98% receive some form of compensation, though this is rarely financial. 

40% of overtime is unpaid, and those working extra hours most often are the least likely to be paid for it.

There is a gender gap in decision-making, with 51% of men saying they have a great deal of input, compared to 41% of women, especially in middle management. 

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Women are more likely to feel unfairly compensated than men, with 43% reporting dissatisfaction compared to 36% of men.

72% of workers said they have received training in the last four years, up from 2022, but 79% report barriers to accessing training, mainly due to lack of time or funding from employers. 

Regional differences are clear, with 58% of those working in Wales and the North saying there is not enough provision nearby, compared to just 13% in London. 

71% said there are barriers to progression, mainly a shortage of roles at the right level and unclear progression routes. 

Only 43% of managers feel they have enough time to support their teams.

Catharine Des Forges, director at the Independent Cinema Office, said: “This year’s survey shows that the pipeline into independent exhibition is still under real strain. 

“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.”

Des Forges added: “The findings give us a roadmap for change. 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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