New cross-party parliamentary group launches to champion freelancers

This week, working closely with parliamentarians and sector partners Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS), Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), Directors UK and Freelancer Make Theatre Work, Bectu launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers. The APPG will provide a long‑overdue forum for addressing the challenges facing freelancers and ensuring their experiences are properly reflected in legislation.

Bectu’s Big Survey revealed that 72% of creative freelancers experienced income instability, 60% reported barriers to accessing parental rights, and over half struggled with gaps in social security and employment protections. These insights underscore the urgent need for the policy reforms the APPG has been established to pursue.

The APPG held its inaugural AGM on Monday 9 March 2026, formally constituting the group and setting its initial priorities. Polly Billington MP was elected Chair, with Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town and Matt Turmaine MP elected as Officers. The APPG secretariat is provided jointly by Bectu, ALCS, DACS, Directors UK, and Freelancers Make Theatre Work.

Members agreed a strong initial programme of work, including improving understandings of freelance work structures across Government, addressing financial precarity, and access to growth opportunities. The group will also focus on employment protections, parental rights, pensions, and the legal definition of freelancing as the Employment Rights Act 2025 is implemented.

The group has formed as we await the appointment of the Government’s Freelance Champion, an appointment Bectu lobbied for and who we hope to work closely with once they are in post.

Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu, said:

“Freelancers are the backbone of the UK’s creative economy, yet their needs are too often invisible in policymaking. We are proud to have helped drive the creation of the APPG for Freelancers, which marks a significant step forward in ensuring freelancers finally have a dedicated voice in Parliament.

“The APPG, combined with the new Freelance Champion role, creates a vital opportunity to build fairer, more inclusive policy that recognises freelance realities. The findings of our Big Bectu Survey made clear where reform is urgently needed, and we look forward to working with MPs, peers and partners to push for meaningful change.”

The APPG will now begin a programme of evidence sessions, research activity and stakeholder engagement, with Bectu continuing to support members and ensuring freelancers’ voices remain central to the group’s work.