A new Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) State of the Nations report, building on its previous Arts, Culture and Heritage (ACH) research, finds that exit rates from the sector are higher compared with other sectors.
Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre writes:
… This report continues our State of the Nations series, building on previous Arts, Culture and Heritage (ACH) research. The key finding is that exit rates from the sector are higher compared with other sectors. ACH jobs rely on a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, with freelancers forming the vital backbone (comprising approximately 59% of the ACH workforce). However, the new analysis highlights structural vulnerabilities, especially in retaining early and mid-career workers, and shows the need for improved workforce support. Tailored support for freelancers is also shown to be critical, supporting the announcement in the DCMS’ Creative Industries Sector Plan to appoint a new Freelance Champion.
The report is written by Dave O’Brien (University of Manchester), Mark Taylor and Ruoxi Wang (University of Sheffield), Peter Campbell (University of Liverpool) and Kate Shorvon (University of Manchester) and is part of Creative PEC’s State of the Nations series.
Key findings:
- Self-employed and freelance workers are less likely to leave than employees, suggesting that they provide continuity for the sector but may stay freelance out of necessity rather than choice given limited opportunities for secure employment or progression.
- Most people leaving ACH careers move into managerial or professional roles in other sectors, pointing to a retention challenge.
- People aged 35 and younger are much more likely than people in other age groups to leave ACH occupations.
- Conditions are particularly challenging for people with caregiving responsibilities, with women being disproportionately affected. Women with children reported that the working hours in ACH jobs and schedules were often incompatible with family life.
