Government publishes travel checklist for creative workers, but still no agreement on visas

Despite continuous lobbying from unions, industry leaders and performers and crew, the government still hasn’t made progress on securing movement rights for thousands of creative workers.

In light of the EU Trade Deal, the government has published guidance for creative industry workers who will be working and touring in Europe. Although advice from the government is welcome, the published checklists do little to alleviate the situation that live events workers find themselves in.  

Despite continuous lobbying from unions, industry leaders and performers and crew, the government has failed to provide a solution to the problem, and merely guide the worker to check the individual visa and immigration rules of each Member State before touring.  

The EU trade deal as it stands does not adequately cover touring arrangements for performers and their crew, with the provision of acquiring visas for every European country placing a great financial and logistical burden. The live events industry has been devastated by the pandemic, and touring professionals are desperate to get back to work. Not only does the EU trade deal threaten their financial stability but hampers the industry’s recovery after a year in which it has suffered extensive loss.  

The UK is renowned for its skill and expertise in the live events industry, with many of Bectu’s members contributing to its success. Production companies often use Britain as a hub for their European work, due to the talents of live events workers. When faced with the requirement to obtain visas, there is a huge risk that European and American production companies, as well as artists, will simply avoid hiring British technical workers and musicians. Subsequently, UK workers will lose out, and the levels of professional expertise in the industry will decline.  

The UK’s creative industries is one of the country’s most successful sectors, accounting for almost 12% of UK exports and contributing £116 billion gross value prior to the pandemic. The live events industry adds £70 million to the UK economy each year, as well as providing a continuous economic boost to constituencies around the country through touring and the revenue created by venues. The EU Trade Deal will impede these economic benefits, and restrict the industry’s recovery.  

Publishing guidance for creative industry workers simply is not enough. Bectu continues to call on the UK Government to reopen negotiations with the EU guarantee free movement for all touring professionals.