Bectu endorses report calling for protections for creative workers from the impacts of Generative AI

Launched today at SXSW London, a new report from Queen Mary University of London, the Institute for the Future of Work, and The Turing Institute reveals how Generative AI is already having profound impacts on the UK’s creative economy and calls for urgent action to protect creative workers.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs endorsing the report recommendations said:

“The rapid introduction of AI technologies presents significant challenges across the creative industries. And as with other industry, technological and economic shifts, it is the freelance workforce – who underpin this vital sector – who will feel the effects most keenly.

“Bectu’s own survey of over 5,500 creative workers revealed that just 10% predicted that AI will have a positive impact on the industry they work in over the next five years.

“Clearly, we need urgent mechanisms for safe, fair, and responsible AI content production and distribution. This means more transparency over AI use, and consultation with workers, especially freelancers. Above all, the use of AI must ensure that human creativity is amplified rather than replaced – it is vital that human creatives are both employed and adequately compensated.

“Bectu is pleased to have contributed to this important research project and we fully endorse its recommendations. It is now critical that employers and policymakers engage with the findings, and with workers and unions, to develop AI governance that is fit for purpose and focuses on skills, employment and rights for the freelance creative workforce in the age of GenAI.”