After-dinner speakers such as John Prescott and Alistair Campbell are to face a pay cut as the recession continues.

Jeremy Lee, the chief executive of JLA, which books speakers, tells me he is keen to cut his clients hefty fees to bring them into line with the state of the economy. “We are keen that everybody wakes up – and that we are seen to be doing so,” he says. JLA’s celebs currently command up to £25,000 for one appearance, making the practice popular with leading figures in showbusiness, sport and politics…

But the days of megabucks earnings are drawing to a close, says Mr Lee. He claims the company will be conducting a pay review at the end of the month with an eye to making their famous clients available at more competitive rates.

“Our budget is tightening and almost every speaker will be more flexible,” he adds. (The Independent)

No longer can they get up to £25,000 for one appearance. One really feels for them all. Not.

Just wonder, it may be necessary to switch the after dinner mints from After Eights to a supermarket own brand!