A refocusing of DCMS must not distract from the sector’s pressing challenges

Responding to the Government’s re-focused Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the appointment of a new Secretary of State, Head of union Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“The UK’s creative industries are the envy of the world and the skillset of our talented workforce is recognised on an international scale.

“The recent revolving door of Culture Ministers has not provided the stability that the sector needs to not only recover post-pandemic but thrive. Government reorganisation must not distract from tackling pressing issues – from the long-promised media bill and critical questions about the future of British broadcasting, to arts organisations coping with Arts Council funding and live events professionals struggling with post-Brexit EU touring restrictions.

“As the Government moves forward with its re-focused department we note its pledge to recognise how central the creative industries are to a strong UK economy. We hope the new Secretary of State will take seriously the mandate to build on the UK’s global reputation in the creative arts.

“We urgently need strong leadership and sustained support to protect creative jobs and safeguard the arts for all. We will be looking to her to champion the sector and work with us to address its challenges and provide support and stability to the workforce.”