Unions join forces to demand fairer treatment of freelancers

An open letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is asking for seven key points to be addressed in the Government's plans to protect the creative economy. The Federation of Entertainment Unions, which includes Equity, the National Union of Journalists, the Musicians Union, Writers Guild of Great Britain and BECTU, is calling for more support for groups that are in most danger of falling between the gaps in the government's financial compensation package for freelance workers.

These workers include parents and carers; those with less than 50% of income from self-employment; new entrants into the industry who had no completed tax return for last year; and freelances who operate through personal service companies, paying themselves with dividends rather salary. The Unions are also seeking reassurance that compensation payments will not compromise welfare payments to D/deaf and disabled workers.