Following the Autumn Budget, presented in the Commons today (30 October 2024) by Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP, WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said:

“A Budget focussed on economic stability and protecting working people is welcome, as is the recognition of our world-leading creative industries as one of the pillars of the Government’s industrial strategy, with a pledge of £15 billion in support over the next five years. We welcome the Government’s plan to work with trade unions in this area, and we look forward to more detail and meaningful engagement with that work on behalf of our members.

“As more powers and funding are devolved as outlined by the Government, it is vital that our members and the creative sector see the benefit of this. We welcome the announcement today for a boost to the North East and would hope that more of this is to follow in the nations and regions.

“When it comes to ‘Making Work Pay’ it is vital that the unique needs of freelancers are addressed and that any changes to worker status do not adversely affect writers’ secondary sources of income or other benefits.

“And as we outline in our manifesto Putting writers at the heart of the story, tax and benefit reform specifically related to freelancers, action on late payments and increased accountability and transparency in arts funding are just some of the measures required to ensure writers in the UK get the fair pay and treatment they deserve, as well as protections on copyright and AI in an industry that is sustainable. Our work with policy-makers on this will continue”