A study by University College London published this month reveals that the increased interest in and popularity of “hipster” culture is changing Britain’s economy and job market in some unexpected ways. The study, commissioned by employment agency Indeed, reveals that as the number and combined spending of “hipsters” rise, so too do the fortunes of the ‘hipster service economy’ catering to their needs.
Indeed stated that hipster culture has shifted from its previous alternative status to become such a mainstream presence that a “hipster service economy” has sprung up to cater to its tastes, while jobs once derided as the preserve of hipsters are now taken seriously and have crossed into the corporate sphere.
Jobseeker interest in the roles defined by Indeed as directly affected by hipsters has more than doubled in the past four years, increasing from 205 searches per million in January 2015 to 469 searches per million in December 2018.
Salaries among these fast growing roles have also risen rapidly. The data shows that tattoo artists on average can expect to make £44.10 per hour, with yoga teachers typically earning £21.98 per hour – well above the national average of £15.37 per hour. While not solely the preserve of hipsters, tattoos have soared in popularity in recent years. In the decade to 2014, the number of parlours across the UK had almost tripled but Indeed’s data suggests that demand for tattoos has seen jobs in that sector continue to rise, more than doubling in the last four years.
However, baristas (£8.10 per hour) and bartenders (£8.53 per hour) still lag behind in the pay stakes. Of course, the sharp differences in the hourly rates may be explained by the fact that yoga teachers and tattoo artists often work for short, more concentrated periods, whereas baristas and bartenders work longer shifts. – a demand that can be attributed in part to the microbrewery and artisan distillery boom, both largely fuelled by hipster tastemakers.
Research conducted by University College London reveals that whilst young people or “millennials” are much more likely to abstain from alcohol than previous generations, Bill Richards, UK managing director of Indeed, commented that “a decade ago, few would have predicted that demand for baristas would outstrip that for bartenders, as coffee has moved into the mainstream and millennial attitudes towards alcohol have changed,” he says. “More informal dress and flexible remote work from coffee shops – once the exclusive domain of hipster tastemakers – have become increasingly common in a range of industries, and it’s striking that this has also sparked a wider jobs boom.
However the data from Indeed reveals that the demand for bartender vacancies continues to increase – a demand that can be attributed in part to the microbrewery and artisan distillery boom, both largely fuelled by hipster tastemakers.
The tightening labour market has given jobseekers the power to make the right choice for them and Indeed’s data suggests the current low unemployment levels have allowed jobseekers to pursue what they are passionate about, not just jobs that pay well. Jobseeker interest in the roles directly affected by hipsters has more than doubled in the last four years, increasing from 205 searches per million in January 2015 to 469 searches per million in December 2018.
“Both jobseekers and employers have responded in kind,” confirms Richards, “with both the supply of these jobs – and candidates’ interest in them – surging in response. Intense competition between employers is in turn forcing them to fight hard for recruits, by offering more attractive pay packets and other hipster-friendly perks.” Roles involving beards, tattoos, downward dogs, artisan coffee and no doubt the odd craft beer are playing an increasingly important role in the UK economy.
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