Creative Industries Sector Plan – our response

In response to the Government’s long-awaited Creative Industries Sector Plan, published today (23 June 2025), WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said:

“The recognition of the creative industries as one of the eight pillars of growth in its Industrial Strategy was a good first start for the Government and marked a commitment to the world-leading sectors that our members work in. The detail that has followed today is promising, not least because the Government has clearly listened to the recommendations from creative industry trade unions. It is good to see the inclusion of a Creative Freelance Champion, investment in R&D, action on late payments, plans to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, improved workforce monitoring and recognition of the importance of the videogames sector.

“But – and it is a big but. Serious questions remain around copyright and AI that will only be answered when the Government lays out its position following its recent consultation. It is vital that creators’ rights and remuneration are not sacrificed in an attempt to woo Big Tech.

“This Plan covers the next decade, a decade when we will not just see the march of AI, or charter renewal for the BBC, but a whole host of challenges we have not yet dreamed of. As ever, the devil will be in the detail, and it is vital that this Government stays true to its pledge to protect and nurture the creative industries and the workers who power it. Listening and engaging with WGGB and other trade unions, as the Government has done here, is the most important thing it can do.”

There is much to unpack from the 80-page Creative Industries Sector Plan and we will be providing more detailed information in due course.