Freelancers: The Backbone of the Creative Industries

Freelancers are the backbone of the UK’s creative industries. From film crews and designers to technicians and digital artists, their skills power the sector’s global reputation.

But too many freelancers are working without rights, protections, or security.

nearly half of creative workers are freelancers 48%

of freelancers say their work is precarious 82%

of freelancers feel confident about their future 23%

The issues

Freelancing is often framed as a choice. But for many, it’s the only option in a system built on short-term contracts. That means limited employment rights, no sick pay, no pension auto- enrolment, no parental leave and no safety net.

For PAYE freelancers, rights that should apply are often ignored. Nearly half (48%) say they don’t have a pension, despite being eligible under auto-enrolment rules. 82% say they’ve never been offered training or development opportunities by an employer or engager.

Feast or famine

The boom-and-bust cycle of production in the creative industries takes its toll on the freelance workforce. From our survey results, 39% of freelancers are currently out of work. In screen industries, it’s almost half (47%), with many pushed into debt or forced to consider leaving the sector altogether.

When work does come, the hours can be punishing. 80% of freelancers work 10+ hour days. A quarter report 12-hour shifts as standard.

For too many in the creative industries, the flexibility offered by freelancing is one sided, as the feast or famine nature of work places significant challenges on their finances, wellbeing and personal relationships.

Financial insecurity

Late payments are endemic. Less than half (48%) of freelancers are always paid on time. 37% say late payments pushed them into debt or cash flow crisis. Some never get paid at all, especially when companies collapse.

A quarter of freelancers say they couldn’t survive three months without work. Many can’t pay rent, cover bills, or avoid borrowing. For working-class freelancers, the situation is even worse, as almost half have no savings at all.

Equalities at risk

Lack of rights is driving inequality. Women and parents are often pushed out by inflexible hours and no maternity support. A third of freelancers (34%) say their work has affected their reproductive choices. Disabled workers and Global Majority freelancers also face greater barriers, discrimination, and fewer protections.

The creative industries cannot thrive while freelancers are left to absorb all the risks.

What needs to happen

Enforceable action on late payments
Portable benefits – pensions, sick pay, parental leave – that move with freelancers across jobs
Proper enforcement of rights for PAYE freelancers
A fully resourced Freelance Champion with real powers

Freelancers are essential to the success of the UK’s creative industries. To ensure their future, freelancing must become a fair, secure, and sustainable form of work.