The Real Cost of Event Staffing (And Why Hourly Rates Don’t Tell the Full Story)
When planning events in Cornwall, Devon and across the South West, staffing costs are often reduced to one simple number: the hourly rate.
But for venues, caterers, planners and event organisers, the real cost of event staffing goes far beyond wages alone. As we head into a busy 2026 season, understanding what staffing truly costs, both financially and operationally, can make a significant difference to how smoothly events run.
What Does Event Staffing Actually Cost?
From April 2026, the UK National Living Wage (21+) increases to:
£12.71 per hour
That’s a 4.1% increase on 2025.
At first glance, that might feel manageable. However, when employing hospitality or event staff directly, wages are only one part of the picture.
Based on a team member aged 21 or over, working more than 8 hours per week, employers are also responsible for the following statutory costs:
Employer National Insurance
Approximately £1.91 per hour
Employer pension contributions (minimum)
Approximately £0.38 per hour
Holiday pay (statutory 5.6 weeks)
Approximately £1.53 per hour
When these are added together, the total employer cost per hour comes to approximately:
£16.53 per hour
And that figure is before any recruitment, training or contingency planning is factored in.
The Hidden Costs People Often Forget
Beyond statutory employment costs, there are additional operational factors that contribute to the true cost of event staffing.
These often include:
Recruitment and onboarding time
Training and supervision
Sickness and emergency cover
Managing rotas and last-minute changes
These are costs that don’t always show up clearly on spreadsheets, but they have a real impact on delivery, especially during peak season.
The Cost of Being Let Down
Staffing issues tend to surface at the worst possible moment: on the morning of an event or during peak service.
When that happens, the knock-on effects can include increased pressure on existing teams, compromised service, unhappy guests and reputational risk for venues and suppliers.
This is often where the true cost of “cheaper” staffing becomes clear.
Why Planning Staffing Early Makes a Difference
January is when many event businesses across the South West start locking in dates for the year ahead.
Early staffing conversations allow for:
Better access to experienced local staff
More consistent teams across bookings
Less last-minute stress during peak season
For businesses running multiple events, planning ahead protects delivery standards and frees up time later.
A Smarter Approach to Event Staffing
At Serve, we provide professional event staffing across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, working closely with venues, caterers and planners as a long-term partner rather than a last-minute solution.
By investing in trained local teams and planning staffing properly, we help reduce the real costs that come with unreliable event staffing.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Hourly rates matter, but they’re only part of the story.
When you factor in employer costs, reliability, time saved and reduced operational risk, the value of professional event staffing becomes much clearer.
If you’re reviewing event staffing costs in Cornwall or the South West, now is the right time to start those conversations.
Chat to us if you’d like to discuss your 2026 plans!
