UK Unions Criticize Government Over Freelance Champion Delay

EXCLUSIVE: UK unions representing freelancers in the TV and film industry have slammed the government for missing the deadline to appoint a Freelance Champion.

As thousands of freelancers remain out of work, we are told Bectu head Philippa Childs contacted Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy late last year to express “deep disappointment” that her department missed its pre-Christmas deadline.

Unions had been pushing for years for a Freelance Champion to promote the rights of thousands of TV and film industry workers and the decision came in last summer’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, which said the person would be appointed by Christmas. Unions described this as a “victory” at the time.

Deadline asked Nandy’s department about the delay and when the person will be appointed and the government said “as swiftly as possible” without providing a timescale or reasoning.

“Freelancers play a vital role in the creative industries, helping to create world-class British film, music, TV, fashion and more,” said a Culture, Media and Sport department spokesman. “In recognition of their importance to these sectors, we will appoint a freelance champion to ensure their voices are heard in government as we look to drive further economic growth in the creative industries. We are working with the sector to appoint the best possible candidate and will make an announcement as swiftly as possible.”

Childs said: “Key decisions which affect the employment rights of freelancers are being made right now with multiple consultations already under way. If we don’t get a Freelance Champion in post soon with enough resources then freelancers will be ignored and let down once again.” 

Bectu’s call was backed by Directors UK, the Design & Artists Copyright Society and the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society.

Freelancers have been the backbone of the UK TV and film industry for decades but major shifts since the Covid-19 pandemic and U.S. strikes have seen thousands lose regular work, many of whom have jumped ship to different industries. A survey published by Bectu around the time the Freelance Champion news first got announced found that nearly half of TV workers were without a job. More than two-thirds said they were struggling to make ends meet, while one in three was considering leaving the industry within five years.