Third Winter Economy Plan is still excluding millions from vital support, warns Bectu

With social distancing measures forcing venues across the UK to remain closed, the Chancellor’s third attempt at a Winter Economy Plan still leaves thousands of creatives excluded from government support schemes, Bectu said today (22nd October).

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs: “Empty promise” (© Jess Hurd)

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“While it is welcome that the government has shown it is willing to make changes to these schemes, it is hugely disappointing that thousands of freelancers and self-employed workers in the creative industries are still excluded from accessing vital support.

“The Chancellor said his economic plan would ‘protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people, wherever they live and whatever their situation’, but his continued and deliberate exclusion of millions of workers means this remains an empty promise.

“The creative industries are a British success story, contributing £111.7bn to the UK economy pre-pandemic. It is about time that the government supported the hard-working and highly skilled creative professionals behind this success.

“Help for the hospitality industry is welcome, but there must be support for all businesses in sectors that are unable to open due to social distancing, such as theatres and live events.

“The government must extend the furlough scheme. We are also calling on the Chancellor to create targeted financial support for the thousands of freelancers who cannot access any other support.”