Equity has welcomed today’s (29 September) announcements from Prime Minister Andy Burnham on tackling the cost of living and focusing on working class ambition, while urging the Prime Minister to place the creative industries "at the heart of growth in every postcode.”
In his first speech to the Labour Party conference as PM, Andy Burnham set out his priorities for this current government.
Read the full response from Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming to the speech below, covering the key issues that will affect Equity members, from water bills to Artificial Intelligence.
"Equity members will welcome the Prime Minister’s announcements on tackling the cost of living. The essentials impact everyone – water, energy, housing and healthcare - and the precarious workforce in the creative industries are often at the sharp end of the rising cost of these bread and butter bills.
"Burnham is right to talk up working class ambition and access. Nowhere is this more important than the creative industries, which must sit at the heart of the growth in every postcode mission. We need to see a shift in funding levels and re-founding of the subsidy model to ensure working class artists can enter our industry and thrive within it.
“Class barriers to the performing arts and entertainment industries are many, from elite and expensive education and training, the cost of auditions and casting platforms, to precarious short-term work, low pay and long hours. A child in Old Swan has as much right to access a creative career as an Old Etonian.
“The Prime Minister said he will ‘put AI centre stage’ at the G20 next year. The central question is now how its risks are managed, and ensuring its benefits are for workers, not bosses.
“We strongly urge the Prime Minister and his government to introduce personality rights to ensure performers’ work is not ripped off and provide protections for everyone over the use of their voice and likeness."
