The fashion industry is a pretty bizarre world. The value of the clothes vs the value of the staff is a baffling mix where only those who are at the top really see the money. This isn’t just an issue through the supply chain though, it’s also an issue in many HQs in London. You see, the fashion industry is what I would deem Southist. Affording to enter the industry at entry level comes at a very high cost to your living quality and so the industry is massively favoured towards those who have family in London or who’s parents can continue to fund them whilst they live in the centre.
The demand for positions in the fashion industry is
extensive, even positions in sustainable fashion are horrendously competitive
(and that’s for a specialist topic). Those coming fresh out of university can
be armed with over years-worth of industry experience and still be told that
what they have isn’t enough for an entry level position. The competitiveness of
the industry however can almost be forgiven because demand will always outweigh
the jobs available. The amount these multimillion pound brands are willing to
pay their graduate staff however should not.
Living in London is expensive, you’ll be lucky to find rent
under £700 a month within 40 minute commute of the centre meaning you’re paying £8400 in rent a year at a minimum. Add in the cost of a rail card
because you’re having to live further out and you’ve nearly reached £10,000 of
your wage. So, what are most fashion brands willing to pay starters? £18,000 for
a graduate. After tax, NI and your pension contribution you’re left with little
over £5000 a year to live on. Is it doable? Yes. Will you be miserable, very possibly!
With so much emphasis on staff’s mental well being, health
and happiness, it seems so counter-intuitive to put you staff in a position
where they will have the concerned about money, where they have to have a long
commute, where they are working an excessive number of overtime hours and where they will be unable to afford a vacation which is very much
needed for them to unwind and be more productive upon their return. The
additional stress of having to continue to rely on parents for money is another
burden which leaves many graduates frustrated. They want independence yet can
afford.
Fashion isn’t the only industry with this problem,
conservation and journalism to name two suffer from it as well. The demand for jobs in these industries means
there will be someone willing to earn less than you for the job, normally
because they can afford to. This lack of value for these positions then causes
a downward spiral where you either have to suck up the crap pay or find a job
in a different field.
The issue with all this, alongside the quality of life that
so many people who enter these industries loose, is the fact that these
businesses are also missing out fantastic candidates. People who are unwilling
to be paid next to nothing, who can’t afford to live on that wage if they are
having to relocate to the city and on those who feel that they are worth more
and want to ensure that they have a good quality of life outside of work is
vital. These people are often those from wider varieties of ethnic backgrounds
as well and the people who would be a true asset to the business.
I am not from London, nor am I willing to continue to have
to ask for money from my parents. I want a job where I can afford to have a
social life and to meet people in what can be a very lonely city. I want a job
that I feel really values me. I am lucky because I can work in sustainability
across many different fields but for those who’ve studied something specific,
shouldn’t they be allowed to feel valued as well?
What do you think about the fashion industry? Have you experienced this problem?
Love
Erin
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