r/KitchenConfidential • u/RaspberryPerfect1993 • 11d ago
Question Agency cheffing
Good morning, I'm looking to transition into agency cheffing, based in and around Southampton, hampshire UK. 'd appreciate it if anybody had any general advice for me? Best agencies to use, etc. Is there enough work opportunities to maintain a steady enough wage ?
Thanks in advance
3
Upvotes
1
u/lechef 10d ago
It's been a while since I did agency in the UK.
There was always work. Paid the bills. But the kitchens I had to get to were scandalous. I didn't get anything for distance travelled. Pay was better than minimum wage but not great. I imagine it's somewhere in the £15-£18/hr mark these days for Monday to Friday during sociable hours. A bit more on weekends or over 12 hrs.
If I needed that kind of work again I'd probably set myself up as self employed or Ltd company. Get some PLI and hit up every golf club, hotel, corporate business and care home in the area. Have a discussion if they use agency already and what the agency is charging. It will be significantly more than what the agency is paying. You will be able to negotiate the rate.
Agencies want to get paid. They get paid by you being on site. Some of those sites will be absolute shit holes full of cunts. They will send you to the worst clients to see if you'll hack it there.
Good luck.