Discriminating against socio-economic status: Combating class disparities within UK's film and television industries
In the heart of the UK's thriving Screen Industries, a concerning disparity has come to light. According to a recent study, over half (53%) of those working in the sector hail from privileged backgrounds, leaving people from working-class backgrounds significantly under-represented [1]. This imbalance is a matter of concern, given the sector's crucial role in the Government's new Plan for Growth, contributing over £20bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) and employing over 200,000 people [2].
Heather Carey, the Director of Work Advance, and Dr Olivia Gable, a Policy Analyst at the Work Foundation, are among those advocating for change. They highlight the need for a long-term commitment to effect real change in the Screen sector, emphasising the importance of an industry-wide approach [3]. Professor Dave O'Brien, Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at The University of Manchester, adds that attracting and advancing diverse talent is key [4].
The research points to 12 areas where working-class individuals face severe disadvantages when it comes to entering and progressing in the Screen sector. While specific details from the PEC research are not available, general barriers in creative industries can include lack of access to funding, cultural and social barriers, educational and training barriers, limited networking and mentoring opportunities, geographical barriers, societal and family pressures, lack of representation, industry culture, access to technology and equipment, information and awareness, support systems, and policy and regulatory barriers [5].
The report also calls for the investment in interventions that support progression, bringing forward diverse future leaders. This includes attracting talent through stronger targeting of careers activities towards social mobility 'coldspots', widening access to higher education, and strengthening technical education pathways into the industry [4].
The UK's departure from the EU has impacted the way British firms trade and work with European counterparts in the Creative Industries. This further underscores the need for a robust domestic strategy to ensure the sector's continued growth and inclusivity [6].
The call for change is not just about numbers. It's about reflecting the diverse society we live in on our screens. As the Screen Industries continue to play a pivotal role in the UK's economy and culture, it's essential that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.
- Heather Carey and Dr Olivia Gable, in their advocacy for change in the Screen Industries, emphasize the necessity of a long-term commitment for real change, requiring an industry-wide approach.
- Professor Dave O'Brien, a leading expert on Cultural and Creative Industries, supports this call, stating that attracting and advancing diverse talent is crucial.
- The research indicates 12 areas where working-class individuals experience significant disadvantages in the Screen sector, including educational and training barriers, cultural and social barriers, and limited networking and mentoring opportunities.
- The report suggests investing in interventions that support progression, bringing forward diverse future leaders, by attracting talent through targeted careers activities, widening access to higher education, and strengthening technical education pathways into the industry.
- The UK's exit from the EU has affected the way British firms collaborate with European counterparts in the Creative Industries, making a robust domestic strategy imperative to ensure the sector's continued growth and inclusivity.
- The lack of representation of working-class individuals in the Screen sector is not just a matter of numbers; it's about reflecting the diverse society we live in on our screens, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.
- In the realm of Economics, the Screen Industries contribute over £20bn in Gross Value Added and employ over 200,000 people, making them a significant component of the Government's new Plan for Growth.
- Education and self-development play a crucial role in talent attraction and advancement in the Screen sector, with an emphasis on technical education pathways and wider access to higher education.
