The new report titled ‘Freelance and Forgotten’, published by the STUC alongside Scottish creative industry unions, highlights the alarming realities faced by freelance workers in Scotland’s creative sector. Based on the experiences of over 800 creative professionals, the report sheds light on serious issues of exploitation and unfair treatment.
Key findings from the report indicate that a staggering 69% of freelance workers have experienced delays in payment, with some waiting as long as 15 months. Additionally, 33% reported that they have not received payment for completed work, illustrating a significant issue with compensation in the industry. Furthermore, a troubling 46% of freelancers have experienced a loss of income due to illness, maternity, or bereavement.
The situation is further compounded by reports of workplace harassment, with 53% of respondents stating they have witnessed or experienced bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment. Most alarming, 83% of participants noted a real-terms decline in income over recent years, leading only 6% of workers to describe their working conditions as “good.”
Working Conditions in the Creative Industries
According to Caroline Sewell, the MU Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Organiser, these findings are not new to those involved in the sector. She emphasized that the creative workforce is consistently undervalued, underpaid, and subjected to mistreatment, despite their vital role in the industry. “Enough is enough,” she stated, stressing the need for immediate reform.
Sewell also addressed Scotland’s ‘Fair Work to Scotland by 2025’ initiative, noting that the current ‘Fair Work First’ policy fails to adequately protect freelancers, who predominantly face unstable and challenging working conditions. She urged the need for genuine fairness, advocating for binding contracts, equitable pay, and improved working conditions for artists and workers across the sector.
Recommendations for Change
The Musicians’ Union (MU) fully supports the report’s recommendations, which aim to establish minimum standards and conditions for freelance contracts. Among the suggested changes is granting Creative Scotland the authority to monitor and enforce Fair Work practices, ensuring that all public funding is contingent on adherence to these principles.
Moreover, the report stresses the importance of recognizing trade unions as the authentic voice of workers within the creative sector, rather than mere staff forums. By pushing for the adoption of the ‘Fair Work for Freelancers’ checklist, the MU seeks to ensure a collaborative effort between employers and unions to address the critical issues highlighted in the report.
As the evidence continues to mount regarding the exploitation of freelancers in creative industries, the MU remains resolute in its call for action. By implementing the report’s recommendations, stakeholders can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for freelance workers in Scotland and beyond.
Exposing the Struggles of Creative Freelancers in Scotland
New evidence reveals the harsh realities faced by freelance workers in Scotland’s creative industries.
Shocking Insights from the Creative Sector
A recent report reveals harrowing statistics regarding the treatment of freelance workers in Scotland’s creative sector. Highlighting the experiences of over 800 creative professionals, the findings indicate:
- 69% of respondents have faced late payments, waiting as long as 15 months.
- 33% have reported not receiving payment for their completed work.
- 46% experienced income loss due to personal issues such as illness or bereavement.
- 53% have encountered bullying or harassment in their workplaces.
- A staggering 83% have seen their income decrease in real terms over recent years.
As a result, a mere 6% of workers describe their working conditions as “good.”
Urgency for Change in the Creative Industries
The findings of the report underscore an urgent need for reform within the sector. Leaders within the industry are calling for immediate attention to address these inequities. Caroline Sewell, a Regional Organiser, emphasizes that while the report’s contents may shock many, they reflect the harsh realities familiar to creatives in Scotland.
“Freelancers are routinely undervalued and mistreated in a sector that heavily relies on their contributions,” she said. “The time has come for change.”
The Inadequacy of Current Policies
Although the Scottish Government’s flagship policy aims to deliver Fair Work by 2025, many argue that it fails to protect freelancers. Existing frameworks largely cater to traditional employment settings, leaving a significant gap in support for those navigating the creative landscape.
Such a gap perpetuates conditions of exploitation, inadequate pay, and harassment, compelling industry leaders to assert that fairness must take precedence over policy.
Recommendations for a Better Future
In light of these findings, unions and advocates are pressing for the adoption of specific recommendations aimed at improving conditions for freelancers in the creative sector. Key recommendations include:
- Establishing minimum standards and conditions for all freelance contracts.
- Empowering Creative Scotland to enforce fair work practices.
- Mandating employers and publicly funded organizations to adopt a Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist.
- Recognizing trade unions as the legitimate representatives of workers in the sector.
Furthermore, public funding should be contingent upon adhering to these Fair Work principles.
