20 January 2022

Last Sunday Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries indicated that the licence fee may be axed in 2027 and that, until then, it will be frozen. By doing so, she called into question the very future existence of the BBC. This was the latest in a long line of measures and proposals that make clear that Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) is under attack by this Government. We must defend it.

19 January 2022

Today we're expecting an announcement from the Government about the lifting of Plan B restrictions in England. But while restrictions may go, the damage to the entertainment industry and artists remains. Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming is calling for investment in entertainment workers through support from the government and for improvements in their terms from bosses.

12 January 2022

Listen to the latest episode of our podcast for candid conversations about the big issues facing performers and creative workers right now. Host Jackie Clune talks to fellow Equity members about their experiences and how, together as a union, we're fighting to make positive change in the industry. Join us for personal stories, lively chat and a little laughter in the virtual green room.

10 January 2022

Maureen Beattie, Equity President, has written to Maria Caulfield MP, Minister at the Department of Health and Social Care, about the government’s proposed Menopause Taskforce. Drawing upon our recent member survey, we have urged the Minister to ensure that the taskforce is a vehicle for enhancing worker and social protections for women. We have also called for the experience and voice of both self-employed workers and the creative workforce to be represented on the Taskforce - so that policy solutions are sufficiently tailored to their needs.

21 December 2021

“The lack of financial support for the creative workforce in today's announcement from the Chancellor is a shocking example of government negligence when Equity members are staring into a winter of cancelled shows, bookings and performances."

16 December 2021

Today Equity has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to take action to protect the creative workforce in light of the rising cases of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus. The worrying situation threatens the fragile return of live performance in theatres, pubs, clubs and other venues across a critical Christmas season. With many performances and bookings already cancelled, and more very likely to come, thousands of our members will lose a significant proportion of their income. Meanwhile, “there has been no support announced for Equity members and performers facing an uncertain winter, and no support for entertainment workers reliant on a strong Christmas season”.

08 December 2021

Equity are calling on venues and producers to enforce mask-wearing among audience members. In a statement signed by General Secretary Paul W Fleming and President Maureen Beattie, we are also urging engagers to "maintain the strongest COVID protocols backstage" and encouraged all members to make sure they are fully vaccinated if they are able.

08 December 2021

Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming has called on the government to provide a support package to Equity members and theatres as they face "an uncertain winter". The call comes following the government's announcement of "Plan B" COVID restrictions that could affect theatres' and entertainers' income.

07 December 2021

The results of Equity's Rule Change Referendum 2021 have been announced. Members voted in favour of all three changes.

06 December 2021

We are pleased to announce that a ground-breaking industry agreement has been reached between Equity and leading voice studio OMUK. OMUK has produced recordings for titles such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Game of Thrones and Second Extinction.