Member

Freelancers in the creative industries often fall between departmental silos. During the pandemic, they were initially excluded from the job retention scheme, not because of deliberate neglect but because no Minister was tasked with listening to them. A ministerial lead would reinforce the creative freelance champion, or commissioner, providing them with the necessary political backing to work across government. Without that support, we risk leaving the champion isolated, unable to influence areas that sit with HM Treasury, the Department for Work and Pensions, or the Department for Business and Trade. With new challenges on the horizon, from generative AI to the shifting boundaries of self-employment, this ministerial role will only become more vital.