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Buckingham Palace is seeking a communications assistant, but the modest salary has many on social media decrying what they consider to be poor pay for a stressful job.
The successful candidate – more than 100 people have applied already – must have the legal right to work in the U.K., an interest in media relations, a passion for current affairs, an eye for detail and (oddly specific, this) a basic working knowledge of Excel. The salary is £25,642.50 a year, or about $44,000.
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The Royal Family has a website devoted to job postings, of which there are currently 24 on offer. They include several chefs and sous chefs, a couple of building surveyors, security positions and an accountant.
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But it’s the listing for communications assistant that has drawn the most notice. A sample tweet in reaction to what many see as a paltry pay package: “My daughter earns that working at Asda,” a British grocery store chain.
That said, benefits include “complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.” And a list of general benefits for Royal Household staff mentions 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme and life insurance. “If your role requires you to live on-site in London,” the website says, “your package will include all meals, and subsidised accommodation.”
Oh, and 20 per cent off at the Royal Collection Shop, which means a Coronation coffee mug that would normally cost 30 quid can be had for a mere £24, or about $41. And a Buckingham Palace tiara with discount is just £98, or $168.
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The job listing gives the location as Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King. However, responsibilities include overseeing media access “to Royal engagements at Royal residences and other locations,” as well as assisting colleagues “with both proactive and reactive communications.” Travel within the U.K. to support visits and engagements is also required.
One key responsibility is “Responding to day to day media enquiries on a range of subjects, including about the work of members of the Royal Family.” This would seem to be more than a full-time job in itself, given the frenzied interest in the Royals from the media and public in recent days.
There are, however, less mentally wearying openings. Take the position of warehouse operative at Windsor Castle. The pay is a little less at £23,400 (about $40,100) but it comes with the free lunch and the gift shop discount. Key responsibilities include “lifting and carrying boxes on a daily basis.” And there’s no need to know Excel.
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