Bectu responds to today’s Budget announcement

Responding to the Budget, Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“There are promising signs in today’s Budget that the government understands the incredible cultural and economic value of the creative industries.

“We welcome the minimum wage rise, which we hope will provide some welcome relief for many in the creative industries who continue to struggle due to low pay.

“Bectu, part of Prospect union, is also pleased to see additional VFX tax reliefs, the boost for film and TV development in the North East and the wider commitment to driving growth and jobs across the nations and regions. We now want to see this localised funding translate into meaningful support for creative talent and jobs across the UK.

“The commitment to investing in the BBC’s World Service is also welcome news, and we will keep a keen eye on further details and continue to push for sustained and adequate funding for our world-leading public service broadcaster.

“Many in the creative industries continue to face low pay, poor conditions and precarious employment and significant challenges remain for the workforce. We hope to see today’s promising signs backed by a significant and sustained commitment to bolstering the sector via the government’s Industrial Strategy.”