
Fix Brexit
We need Government to fix the Brexit chaos for the creative industries
Fix Brexit
We need Government to fix the Brexit chaos for the creative industries
We need Government to fix the Brexit chaos for the creative industries
In December 2020, the UK and EU signed the Trade and Cooperation Agreement which governs our trading and security relationship. Despite Equity’s calls to protect creative professionals and their ability to tour freely, the Trade Deal has made it very difficult for many of our members to work in the EU. Expensive visas, different work permits for different countries and inconsistent tax and social security rules are just some of the obstacles workers now face.
What our members tell us
- 43% of Equity members report that Brexit has negatively affected their confidence in being able to find work in the arts and entertainment industry
- 31% have seen job advertisements and/or casting breakdowns asking for EU passport holders only to apply
- 14% have been asked by their agent to confirm if they are an EU passport holder for the purpose of finding work
Equity campaigning
Last year Equity launched a campaign to fix the Brexit chaos. This followed the Government's continued inability to resolve the problems faced by our members travelling to the EU 27 for work. Together with a number of unions, industry bodies and MPs from across the political spectrum we called for:
- a bespoke Visa Waiver Agreement with the EU for the creative sector
- bilateral agreements with key individual EU Member States
- emergency funding to cover additional costs when undertaking work in Europe
- reduce impact of new road haulage and cross-trade rules
Over a year has passed and the proposed solutions have not materialised despite our collective efforts. Our General Secretary has also called for clarity from the government following a number of misleading statements about the level of progress they have achieved.
Advice on working in the EU
We've pulled together advice for Equity members to help you navigate working in the EU under the latest Brexit rules. Before you travel, it is important to check COVID restrictions in your destination country and rules upon return to the UK.
- DCMS guidance for working, performing and touring in Europe
- Arts Council guidance including country by country visa and work permit guide
- Equity factsheet for touring in Ireland
We will continue to work with others across our industry to lobby the government to resolve the ongoing issues and support our members to navigate the new rules.
Related News

Visas no longer required for artists working in Spain
17 November 2021
The government recently announced that artists no longer require visas for short-term work in Spain. We understand that this covers all performing artists including those working in film and TV for up to 90 days.
/news/2021/november/visas-no-longer-required-for-artists-working-in-spain/
Call for clarity on European work visas
10 August 2021
Equity are calling for clarity from the Government on their recent announcement on European work visas and work permits. The Government announced on 4 August that nineteen EU member states will allow performers visa and work permit free short term touring work. While the announcement is a welcome one, more clarity is needed. General Secretary Paul W Fleming has today (10 August) written an open letter to Oliver Dowden Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport asking for further explanation on key issues affecting creatives working in the EU.
/news/2021/august/call-for-clarity-on-european-work-visas/
Our open letter to the government to fix the Brexit crisis
28 April 2021
Equity General Secretary Paul Fleming, together with leading cultural organisations and unions, has signed an open letter to Boris Johnson urging him to deliver on his promise to fix the Brexit crisis for the creative industries.
/news/2021/april/our-open-letter-to-the-government-to-fix-the-brexit-crisis/Equity holds parliamentary event to discuss Brexit's impact on creative workers
04 February 2020
Equity is very concerned about future visa and other restrictions for creative workers working in Europe post-Brexit. We have an event in Parliament on 4 Feb & want members to invite their local MP along.
/news/2020/january/equity-holds-parliamentary-event-to-discuss-brexits-impact-on-creative-workers/
Christine Payne: Respect and recognition
27 September 2019
Equity members make a huge contribution to the success story that is the UK creative sector. We want that recognised by the TUC, our sister unions and the political parties
/news/2019/september/christine-payne-respect-and-recognition/