Bectu invited to join DCMS cultural renewal groups

Bectu has taken a seat at the sub-groups of the cultural renewal taskforce established by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports.

Bectu represents nearly 40,000 workers and freelancers across the creative industries and will take part in the entertainment sub-group and the film, TV and broadcasting sub-group.

The regular meetings will be attended by Head of Bectu Philippa Childs.

Since the start of the pandemic Bectu has made urgent representations and taken part in numerous conversations with government about how the creative industries have been affected.

Bectu’s main lobbying focus has been on ensuring that freelancers and people who are not covered by income support schemes are granted access.

As the country now starts thinking about plans to return to work Bectu will continue to raise these issues.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “The invitation to join the sub-groups is highly welcome our members’ contributions are what make these valuable industries tick.

“The theatre, film and TV industry contribute significantly to the national and our regional economies and special care and attention must be given to ensure that they are able to compete, globally, once again.

“These industries won’t be able to do that without the workforce being confident of their health and safety at work and their career prospects, which is why it is crucial that Bectu is involved as we represent people at every stage of their career.”

As well as joining the taskforce Bectu has agreed to become a member of the Creative Industries Federation. Bectu has taken part in meetings organised by the federation with government officials during the course of the pandemic.

Bectu has also played a key role in the BFI and British Film Commission co-ordinated taskforce on film and TV which developed return to work plans for the industry.

Childs added: “Bectu is committed to collaborating across all our industries to ensure that our members’ voices and experiences are heard throughout this crisis. A united approach is crucial to dealing with all the challenges COVID-19 presents us.”

Bectu’s parent union Prospect has also been invited to join educational charity Demos’ People’s Commission on Life After COVID-19.

Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy joins journalist Martin Lewis, House of Lords members Nicky Morgan and Stewart Wood and public advocate for young people Ndidi Okezie amongst others.

The commission called Renew Normal will look at how life has changed as a result of COVID-19.

On being asked to join the commission Clancy said: “The coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus many of the structural challenges faced by our economy and society. Whether that is on how we value our key workers, how we invest in safety at work, or crucially on how we make sure all workers have a voice at work.

“It has also exposed some of the limits of flexibility in the workplace particularly for those freelancing or self-employed.

“A return to business as usual after the crisis would be a huge missed opportunity, so I hope this Commission will help describe a better, fairer road map for the future.”