Bridging support is crucial to avoid redundancies in the culture sector

Ahead of the expected announcement on the loosening of coronavirus restrictions, Bectu has warned that bridging support for workers and businesses in the creative industries will be needed before we can return to business as usual.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“The end of social distancing restrictions is welcome news for theatres, venues and events that have been forced to close for over a year, but the continuing confusion over isolation rules and mask wearing means that it won’t be a return to business as usual on July 19. The government must work to build public confidence in the safety of venues and understanding of the new guidance.

“With much of the sector set to lose two summers in a row of vital income, some bridging support will be crucial to avoid mass redundancies and ensure a successful recovery. This means a targeted extension of furlough and the SEISS and the introduction of a government-backed insurance scheme to provide much-needed confidence to the sector.”