Received from: Equity
Congress:
i. recalls the motion passed at 2024 Congress supporting the repeal of the unfair exemption for the performing arts and entertainment industries contained the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
ii. recognises that performers and creative workers continue to pay significant fees to be included in casting directories – recruitment costs which should be borne by engagers
iii. notes the judgement laid down on 3 September by Her Honourable Justice Howells in the High Court, which dismissed a challenge to the charging practices of Talent Systems Europe (trading as Spotlight), the dominant casting directory in the UK entertainment industry, led by a group of Equity members.
Congress further notes:
a. the judgement of the High Court has worrying implications for working people across the UK, who may now be left unprotected from up front charges by similar platforms elsewhere in the growing gig economy.
Congress believes:
1. the judgement fails to acknowledge the imbalance of power in the entertainment industry while defending a status quo for casting directories at the expense of low-paid creative workers
2. that the tax on hope shouldered by creative workers in a sector marked by insecurity and unpredictability must end
3. that this judgment opens the potential for exploitative practices for workers across the economy.
Congress resolves to support:
I. the appeal against this High Court judgement
II. Equity in convening unions to fight the economy wide implications of this judgement.
Mover: Equity
Seconder: CWU