MPs have highlighted the “precarious rates of pay and employment conditions” faced by many working in the creative sector.
As a result, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called on the Government to establish a Freelancers’ Commissioner and give freelancers better protection around royalties and residuals.
“Many of our talented actors, writers, composers and singers are failing to share in the global success of the UK’s creative industries as the sector struggles to navigate a perfect storm caused by everything from the emergence of AI through to the rapid changes in the way content is consumed,” said Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee.
“If creators are no longer to be the poor relations, the Government needs to play catch up by plugging the gaps in outdated copyright and intellectual property regulations and ensuring that there is a champion for the rights of freelancers, who make such a vital contribution to their industries.”
The Creator Remuneration report also covers the screen industry and stated that pay and working conditions were in decline, because there wasn’t a single voice representing freelancers.
“Our call for better protection of freelancers, in the form of a Freelancers’ Commissioner, has been recommended. Having someone advocate across government in the interest of creative freelancers is a step towards accountability and away from the poor working conditions and unfair practices our members face,” said Directors UK Chief Executive Andy Harrower.
“Our call to future proof the industry, in the form of protection for rightsholders, has been recommended. There must be no exception to copyright when we’re talking about the use of AI – consent to use creative works and fair remuneration for that use must be enforced by the government.
“A cross-party Committee has reached these conclusions. There can be no excuses for these recommendations not to become reality. We will hold the government to this.”
