The Film and TV Charity’s latest report finds that 74% of film and TV workers have considered leaving the industry due to financial worries and 43% have already taken firm steps to leave, an increase from 32% in 2023.
The charity’s second Money Matters report examines the financial resilience of industry workers and finds that the UK’s film, TV, and cinema industry is becoming “increasingly unsustainable for far too many of the people who keep it running.”
Drawing on more than 2,000 responses, the report reveals a workforce under severe and escalating pressure. “For those in the industry, the compound effects of challenges over recent years have not eased; instead, they are accelerating the rate at which workers are being pushed out of the sector, with freelancers feeling the impact most acutely.”
The report found that 22% of respondents reported experiencing “sustained worklessness” – out of work at the time of the survey and had worked fewer than three months in the last year. Among those experiencing sustained worklessness, there’s an average gap of seven-months between jobs. 46% of freelancers are finding it difficult to manage financially vs 27% of permanent staff.
The report also detailed the longer term effects of inconsistent earning with 56% of respondents not saving into a pension, rising to 63% among freelancers and 36% of respondents had less than £1,000 in savings.
While the Money Matters report shows that many of these challenges are deeply entrenched, it does also point to signs of industry level action already taking place. Creative UK has called for the development of freelancer specific hybrid pension products – potentially including automatic enrolment for those registering as self-employed with HMRC – alongside flexible contributions and built in tax relief. Meanwhile, initiatives from Work Wise for Screen, Action for Freelancers, and ITV’s Green Room signal growing momentum to address the structural issues facing the industry’s workforce. The Charity says it also “waits with interest” on the appointment of the “Freelance Champion” announced by the Government.
Commenting on the report, Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity, said: “Our latest Money Matters report shows that if the industry continues on its current path and doesn’t address the financial pressures faced by too many of its workers, we risk losing not just individuals but the collective expertise and creative excellence that power the UK’s screen industries. These sectors drive growth, innovation and cultural influence, yet the talent behind them is being choked off by financial insecurity.
“This report makes one thing clear: without meaningful, coordinated action, the film and TV industry faces a serious risk as more workers are forced to leave. We must commit to building a sustainable sector where people can build stable careers, weather gaps between jobs and save for the future. By working together – across policy, education, andemployment practices – we can create an industry where talent is supported, valued, and able to thrive.”
Download and read the full report here.
Jon Creamer
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