SCOTS have been left outraged after a company posted a job advert seeking Edinburgh Fringe reviewers for flexible 10-hour shifts – for only £200 a month.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – which sees upwards of three million tourists per year – is hailed as the largest arts festival in the world, spanning almost the entirety of August.
However, the Fringe has seen much backlash due to the increase in litter and footfall in the city, as well as the prices and availability of accommodation during the month.
The latest festival-related backlash came after a job advert looking for a Fringe reviewer was posted, revealing that the contract would consist of a measly £200 for “long hours including evenings and weekends”.
The ad – which has since expired read: “Reviewer for Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows. […] Able to work flexible and long hours as it’s seven days a week at the Fringe -reviewing starts 31 July and will end around 24 August.
“Please note you must have your own place to stay Edinburgh [sic] and this is a small token of payment of £200 for the whole run.”
Shockingly, a similar advert – seemingly also for the same company, Impressive PR– was posted which read: “Leading entertainment PR agency Impressive are looking for two exceptional interns to assist our very busy permanent PR team at the Edinburgh FringeFestival this year from dates [sic] are 29 July – 24 August inclusive.
“The right candidate must be willing to work long hours including evenings and weekends, be very organised, be great at communication, have a passion for comedy, cabaret and theatre and be interested in working in PR.
“We always have the best and most interesting shows at the festival so you will be working with top end and award-winning talent.
“You will need to have your own laptop and accommodation.”
The ad, however, mentions that despite the measly £200 payment, candidates should preferably have one year of experience in public relations.
It also adds that travel expenses will be provided for but that employees must “keep receipts and provide the phone bill.
”The advert was shared online yesterday by Lauren Gilmour, who wrote in the post:“This isn’t acceptable. Expecting reviewers to be fully flexible for ten hours a day, seven days a week and getting a £200 flat rate for a month is just exploitative.”
Lauren later shared a snap of the second job ad, writing: “Same company offering a stunning £200-250 a month for a candidate ‘willing to work long hours including evenings and weekends’”.
The post received dozens of likes, comments and shares as many people were leftoutraged by the adverts.
One person wrote: “That’s actually insane. What do they expect?”
Another said: “True but is it better or worse than the national review sites which will rely on unpaid labour to produce most of their content and advertising profits for the month?”
A third commented: “I stand with Harlan Ellison. Pay the writer.”
A fourth added: “Free shows. Plenty seem to do it for that.”
Impressive PR has been contacted for comment.
