28 October 2020
Lesley Giles is delighted to take part in a virtual roundtable, run by the Social Market Foundation to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s creative industries, following Brexit, and the introduction of a points - based immigration system in 2021, and the economic uncertainty created by COVID- 19.
The UK’s creative industries generate more than £100 billion a year and employ over 2 million people, with one in three of its workers freelancers. This thriving sector relies on the ability to draw in the best talent from around the world and send out homegrown talent too. Many in the creative industry, particularly those in London, have so far benefited from the freedom of movement afforded by the UK’s membership of the EU. Britain’s departure from the EU and the introduction of a new Points - based immigration system in 2021 will no doubt impact the sector. In addition to this, creative industries face the additional challenge of addressing the devastating impacts of COVID-19. According to research by the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) in April, 42% of creative organisations reported their income had been reduced to zero by the outbreak and 63% predict a decrease in their annual turnover of more than half by the end of 2020.
How can we ensure the sector not only survives these challenges but thrives both in London, and the rest of the country? What is the role of parliamentarians, government and industry in addressing challenges and identifying opportunities? Will there be long - term cultural impacts if creative industries in the UK fail to survive these challenges? Of course, the Creative Industries has demonstrated some huge successes over the last decade or so were provide strong foundations to face the current turbulent times ahead. But it also faces a number of structural weaknesses that need to be addressed. Work Advance has drawn on the research of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre to set out a case for action to ensure the sector can move more confidently forward here.
