Theatre workers are desperate for details of recovery package as redundancy threats soar
We are approaching three weeks since a £1.57bn arts recovery package was announced by the government.
The National Theatre in London, where redundancy consultations are under way and casuals are losing their work
The package aimed at protecting the future of theatres, museums and galleries was welcomed by industry figures across the board.
Bectu’s reaction was, of course, to welcome it, but we also highlighted that the details of the package and the funding needed to be delivered urgently. Three weeks later, we’re still waiting, and the Commons Culture Media and Sport select committee has added its voice the criticism with a scathing report highlighting the government’s lack of action.
And as we wait worrying developments are taking place. Just some of the issues Bectu’s officials are dealing with are outlined here.
Casual jobs to go
The National Theatre and Royal Opera House are telling their casual staff they will lose their jobs. These low-paid, but crucial members, are the first victims of the change to the furlough scheme, which requires employers to pay pensions and national insurance contributions from 1 August.
As soon as this change to the scheme was announced, Bectu warned that it would lead to mass redundancies. We are currently aware of close to 3,000 job losses across the entire industry. Among the latest is Sheffield Theatres, which has entered redundancy consultations that could result in 29% of roles being lost.
Our officials are working tirelessly to support the individuals who are now facing a cliff edge of their income being cut off. These job losses, which are now happening rather than discussions, are as a direct result of the lack of clarity the industry has about how the recovery package will work.
These “casual workers” affected have often only been employed by one organisation. They will now join the thousands of freelancers who still have no idea when they will actually go back to work and if any of the £1.57bn recovery funding will reach them.
It is crucial to know how the funding will be distributed as, despite indoor socially-distanced performances being allowed to take place from 1 August, theatres still have no income coming in.
Even when those performances start to take place, many businesses still won’t be viable as they often have to sell 60-70% of the tickets just to break even. Social distancing won’t allow that, creating even more uncertainty about what the future of theatre looks like
These are all points that the entire industry has been making consistently raising. Yet, the clock ticks on and we are still no clearer about how the crucial funding that has been pledged to the industry will be distributed and when.
People desperate
As a result we are hearing desperate stories about people being asked, and agreeing, to sign contracts requiring them to repay employer furlough contributions from their wages once shows resume just to be entitled to some form of continued support.
People are desperate – that is no exaggeration. We are hearing about concerns that they will lose their homes without access to the furlough scheme and fears they won’t be able to find work in another industry.
Just last week I wrote to cultural industries minister Caroline Dinenage asking for further clarity about when the funding will be available. I’m still waiting for the answer. Without answers more job losses and terrible human consequences will continue to take place.
The government can’t want that to happen. It must act with transparency and urgency and share the details that are needed to truly help the industry recover.