Equity calls for union rates following Starmer Pinewood Studios speech 

Commenting on Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivering a policy speech from Pinewood Studios this morning, performing arts and entertainment union Equity calls for government tax relief to be linked to working terms and conditions.

Prime Minister Starmer celebrated the 8,000 jobs supported by Pinewood Studios and described it as “an engine of growth” and “a beacon to the world of British creative brilliance”.

John Barclay, Equity’s Assistant General Secretary for Recorded Media, said:

“It’s great to see the British film industry being celebrated by the government this morning. Our film and TV industry can only thrive if those working in it are paid a fair wage and that needs to keep pace with the cost of living – especially given the significant government tax relief provided to companies in the industry.

Producers benefit from millions of pounds in government – i.e. taxpayer – tax relief, and that is a good thing to stimulate this important part of the economy. In film and TV, the majority of British-made productions are filmed on an Equity contract, and that ensures minimums for pay and conditions, but our members are demanding better.

The Wild West of video games also receives extensive government-funded tax relief, but the absence of union agreements for workers leaves them at the mercy of fluctuating pay, and sometimes dangerous and exploitative working conditions – poor practices essentially subsidised by the government.

Creative industries can be a positive force on so many levels. The UK is a creative powerhouse, with so many US films, TV and streamers choosing to set up production here. Yet investment and direction to tackle the decline of UK indigenous TV would be especially welcome, as it almost uniquely gives access to working class performers and is a training ground for in front and behind camera talent.

Only through decent pay, and secure working conditions, can we open up the industry and tackle the class, gender, and race inequalities that remain.”

Equity is currently in negotiations with PACT – the producers alliance for UK independent film and tv producers. They are aiming to secure a groundbreaking three-year deal with significant improvements in pay and conditions for those working in the UK film and TV sector.

In October this year, the government announced tax relief of up to 53% for qualifying expenditure via the Independent Film Tax Credit (UK’s world-class film sector handed major jobs and growth boost by tax reliefs – GOV.UK )

Film and TV producers receive around 40% tax relief on UK production.