Bectu responds to the UK-EU reset

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs, responding to the UK-EU reset, said:

“This is a welcome reset of relations with the EU which begins the work of mending the catastrophic damage done by Brexit to areas of the creative industries and workers’ livelihoods.

“Restrictions on freedom of movement have had a hugely detrimental impact on the incomes and prospects of touring professionals with some losing a significant portion of their work as a result.

“We welcome recognition of the importance of cultural and artistic exchange but our members will be looking for more than warm words. We need to see firm progress towards an agreement on touring visas and some kind of timeline and an end to the uncertainty.

“British creatives have skills which are hugely in demand abroad. Their work on live events and in touring productions are a significant cultural export which contribute to the UK’s reputation abroad. Reaching a meaningful agreement on touring visas must form a key part of negotiations in the coming months and we will be pressuring the government to ensure this issue is not forgotten.”