Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the UNESCO report 2022 Global Report Re|Shaping Policies For Creativity, published on 8 February, what steps they are taking to support creative industries in the UK in order to prevent job losses and cultural sector closures as a result of the pandemic, particularly in view of the report’s recommendations on (1) labour protection for artists and cultural professionals, and (2) better pension provision and sick pay for freelancers.

The Government broadly welcomes the UNESCO 2022 Global Report ReShaping Policies For Creativity. We recognise the significant challenge the pandemic has posed to our arts and creative sectors and to the many individuals and freelancers working across these industries.

DCMS officials have been engaging with HMRC, Creative UK, Arts Council England, individual freelancers within the sector, and leading organisations such as ‘What’s Next’ to understand better the impact the pandemic has had on the sector and those working in it.

HM Government has been committed to supporting arts and culture throughout the pandemic. This can be seen through the unprecedented £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund support package which ensured venues and organisations survived the pandemic and continue to provide employment opportunities across the sector and the extension of tax relief for theatres, orchestras, museums, and galleries. We will continue to work closely with freelancers and organisations across the sector to see how we can best provide support to those affected.