Dear Members,
Bectu’s recently published survey reveals shocking stats about the film and TV workforce – chief amongst them that 38% are looking to leave film and television behind within the next five years, a rise of 60% since September 2023. This figure is even higher in unscripted TV, with more than half (53%) of those working in the sector saying they plan to leave the industry.
The survey reveals that a year on from the SAG-AFTRA industrial action in the US and the subsequent halt in UK film and TV production, more than half (52%) of the UK’s film and TV workforce are still out of work. This is a small and slow recovery from the 68% reported in February 2024.
Talent, especially below the line talent, is the backbone of production and we absolutely cannot allow this to happen and continue to happen. Production is coming and Autumn looks good, but how many of these cycles can freelancers endure?
We are collaborating with BECTU and our fellow Guilds, led by the British Screen Forum, to look at what other countries around the world do to support creative industries and what their governments offer, which may help in the longer term.
We recognise that the UK’s new Government have many priorities, but we must ensure Lisa Nandy, our new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, understands and advocates to ensure this is on the agenda – essentially in the form of financial assistance for freelancers.
If you need someone to talk to, PGGB is always here. Please reach out to [javascript protected email address] to let us know how we can help, whether for advice, support or if there’s anything practical you think we should be doing.
If you would like to take part in any of our training programmes and need financial assistance, please also get in touch.
You can also contact the Film and TV Charity team any time, day or night, to talk about a wide range of industry challenges on 0800 054 0000.
Wishing you all well,
Lyndsay Duthie
CEO, PGGB
