Independent Artists and Designers in the Arts and Entertainment Fields
In the dynamic world of the UK's creative industries, self-employment is a common phenomenon. According to recent statistics, the self-employment rate in this sector stands at approximately 28.41%, significantly higher than the overall UK workforce's self-employment rate, which typically hovers around 15% [3].
This high proportion of self-employed workers in the creative industries is noteworthy, as it indicates nearly double the proportion compared to the wider workforce. However, this high self-employment rate has also exposed a lack of support for these workers, particularly when faced with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has had a profound impact on the creative sector, with some sub-sectors like IT and software (including video games) experiencing less disruption. Conversely, others, such as the performing arts, have been particularly hard hit, with a loss of 68,000 jobs in 2020 [5]. Despite these setbacks, there are signs of recovery and future growth, with projections of job creation and economic value growth if investment increases [1].
The pandemic has also highlighted the financial precarity and mental health challenges faced by self-employed creatives. Research shows that job insecurity, loneliness, and instability have been driving factors [4]. Moreover, many creative freelancers struggled to access the government's income support schemes during the pandemic.
The high reliance on freelancers in the creative industries presents unique challenges. A briefing published by the PEC aims to help policymakers better understand this part of the economy and recognise that one size does not fit all when it comes to designing policy for freelancers. The briefing identifies three key areas - skills, immigration, and employment policy - where freelancers have been under-served [6].
The creative industries are not just a local phenomenon. They are a significant part of the UK's international trade, with the television production sector being one of Britain's leading creative export sectors [2]. The sector also has growth potential post-pandemic, with projections of job creation and economic value growth if investment increases [1].
In summary, the creative industries, with their high self-employment rate, have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are signs of recovery and future growth, and policy initiatives are being developed to address the unique challenges faced by self-employed creatives.
References: 1. [Source 1] 2. [Source 2] 3. [Source 3] 4. [Source 4] 5. [Source 5] 6. [Source 6]
For more information, refer to the PEC's policy briefing on freelancers in the creative industries, available at: PEC Policy Briefings: Freelancers in the Creative Industries
Billy Becket, Communications Manager at the Creative PECEliza Easton, Founder of Erskine Analysis and previously Deputy Director at the Creative PEC
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