12 March 2026

Introduction of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freelancers

This week, a collaborative effort involving parliamentarians and sector partners such as the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS), Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), Directors UK, and Freelancer Make Theatre Work culminated in the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers by Bectu. This initiative aims to establish a crucial platform for addressing the myriad challenges faced by freelancers, ensuring their voices are effectively incorporated into relevant legislation.

Survey Findings Highlighting Freelancer Challenges

Bectu’s recent “Big Survey” uncovered significant issues within the freelance community, revealing that a staggering 72% of creative freelancers encounter income instability. Additionally, 60% face obstacles in accessing parental rights, while over half the respondents reported difficulties related to gaps in social security and employment protections. These alarming statistics emphasize the immediate need for policy reforms, a central focus of the newly established APPG.

Inaugural Meeting and Leadership of the APPG

The APPG convened its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, 9 March 2026, officially constituting the group and outlining its initial priorities. Polly Billington MP was elected as Chair, with Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town, and Matt Turmaine MP serving as Officers. The secretariat role will be jointly managed by Bectu, ALCS, DACS, Directors UK, and Freelancer Make Theatre Work, creating a robust support system for freelancer advocacy.

Key Priorities and Focus Areas

Members of the APPG have agreed on a comprehensive program of work encompassing crucial areas such as improving government understanding of freelance work structures, addressing financial uncertainty, and creating growth opportunities. Additional focal points will include enhancing employment protections, refining parental rights, securing pensions, and defining freelancing within the framework of the Employment Rights Act 2025 as it is implemented.

Anticipating the Freelance Champion Appointment

The formation of the APPG comes at a pivotal moment as we await the appointment of the Government’s Freelance Champion—a role that Bectu has vigorously advocated for. This champion is expected to be a vital ally in collaborating with the APPG to amplify freelance issues within government discussions.

Statements from Bectu Leadership

Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu, remarked, “Freelancers are the backbone of the UK’s creative economy, yet their needs are too often invisible in policymaking. We are proud to have helped drive the creation of the APPG for Freelancers, which marks a significant step forward in ensuring freelancers finally have a dedicated voice in Parliament.”

Childs further added, “The APPG, in conjunction with the new Freelance Champion role, creates a vital opportunity to establish fairer, more inclusive policies that truly recognize the realities of freelancing. The insights from our Big Bectu Survey highlight the areas where urgent reforms are necessary, and we are eager to collaborate with MPs, peers, and partners to advocate for impactful changes.”

Next Steps for the APPG

The APPG is set to embark on a series of evidence sessions, research activities, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Bectu will continue to support its members, ensuring that freelancers’ perspectives remain central to the group’s ongoing work. This initiative represents hope and advancement for freelancers across the creative sectors, striving for a future where their rights, protections, and opportunities are recognized and upheld.

New All-Party Parliamentary Group Launches to Support Freelancers

Date: 12 March 2026

Introduction to the APPG for Freelancers

This week, a significant step has been taken to address the concerns of freelancers in the creative sector. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers was officially launched, with the collaboration of parliamentarians and key sector partners including DACS, ALCS, Directors UK, and Freelancer Make Theatre Work. The establishment of this APPG aims to provide a dedicated space for discussing the challenges faced by freelancers and ensuring that their voices are heard in legislative processes.

Freelancer Challenges Revealed by Comprehensive Survey

Recent findings from Bectu’s Big Survey shed light on the plight of creative freelancers. A staggering 72% reported experiencing income instability, with 60% encountering obstacles in accessing parental rights. Over half of the respondents highlighted the gaps in social security and employment protections they face. These revealing insights illustrate the urgent necessity for relevant policy reforms, which the APPG is set to champion.

Inaugural Meeting Sets Solid Foundation

The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the APPG took place on 9 March 2026, marking the official constitution of the group and outlining its initial priorities. Polly Billington MP was elected as Chair, supported by Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town, and Matt Turmaine MP as Officers. The collaborative effort for the APPG’s secretariat is shared among Bectu, ALCS, DACS, Directors UK, and Freelancer Make Theatre Work.

Initial Priorities and Focus Areas

The APPG has established a robust initial work program that emphasizes the understanding of freelance work structures within the government. Key focus areas include addressing financial uncertainty, improving access to growth opportunities, and advocating for stronger employment protections, parental rights, and pensions. As the Employment Rights Act 2025 is rolled out, the APPG is poised to redefine the legal context of freelancing in the UK.

The Role of the Freelance Champion

As the APPG commences its important work, anticipation builds around the appointment of the Government’s Freelance Champion. This role is expected to play a pivotal part in advocating for freelancers, and Bectu is eager to collaborate closely with the newly appointed Champion to further support the freelance community.

Voices from the Leadership

Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu, expressed strong sentiments regarding the launch of the APPG. She stated, “Freelancers are the backbone of the UK’s creative economy, yet their needs are too often invisible in policymaking. The creation of the APPG for Freelancers is a landmark achievement, ensuring that freelancers gain a dedicated voice in Parliament.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Engagement and Research

The APPG will initiate a comprehensive program of evidence sessions, research initiatives, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the needs of freelancers are well-represented. Bectu remains committed to supporting its members and making sure that freelancers’ perspectives stay at the forefront of this critical dialogue.