New research shows innovative tax and benefits policies could transform UK Screen Industry freelancers’ livelihoods
Freelancers are the backbone of the UK screen sector, and the sector can only do as well creatively and commercially as its freelancers are doing. New research led by the British Screen Forum and Film + TV Charity, Make Freelancing Pay, reveals that innovative tax and benefits policies could dramatically improve financial security for freelancers in the UK screen industries.
Our own recent research says directors face financial instability due to irregular employment and a reduction in opportunities to work and earn. The Make Freelancing Pay study demonstrates to policymakers that there are effective policies already enacted globally to draw on in efforts to curb talent drain and make creative freelancing a more viable career.
The study used microsimulation modelling based on policies currently in place in Germany, France, South Korea, Spain, Ireland, and Sweden. Researchers modelled outcomes for six representative cases: freelancers on average, high, and low incomes; younger freelancers; disabled freelancers; and freelancers working outside of London — both with and without children.
Among the report findings:
• An Ireland-style basic income could increase freelancers‘ disposable income by 50% and more. Low-earning workers, disabled workers and younger workers would have their position significantly improved.
• Housing support for creative workers, which is available in South Korea, was the only policy that benefitted workers with dependent children more than workers without dependents.
• French- and German-style policies that provide unemployment support and support with National Insurance Contributions were more beneficial for those workers who already earned more, and delivered comparatively small improvements overall.
Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK, said: “78% of screen directors feel their income is unstable, according to our own research. Make Freelancing Pay furthers the argument that there is an urgent need to support creative freelancers in earning a stable living. Importantly, it offers real world ideas for how those in power could use tax and benefits policies to make significant impact to the creators struggling to sustain a viable career.”
It’s an extremely challenging time for freelancers. We know change is possible and can be achieved if those with the power to implement change put incentives in place.
This project is led by British Screen Forum and the Film + TV Charity, and supported with funding and advisory input by Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, BFI, Bectu, Equity, Directors UK and the Production Guild of Great Britain.
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