Bectu has announced the formation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for freelancers, aiming to address the challenges faced by freelancers working in the UK creative sector.
The announcement follows the charity’s Big Survey, which found 72 per cent of freelancers experienced income instability, 60 per cent reported barriers to accessing parental workplace rights and more than half struggled with social security and employment protections. Working alongside UK parliamentarians across the political spectrum and partners including Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS), Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), Directors UK and Freelancer Make Theatre Work, Bectu said the APPG will provide a voice for freelancers and aims to ensure their experiences are reflected in legislation.
The group was formally constituted at its inaugural AGM on March 9th, which saw Polly Billington MP elected as chair alongside officers Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town and Matt Turmaine MP.
Ahead of the appointment of the government’s freelance champion, the group will focus on employment protections, parental rights, pensions, and the legal definition of freelancing as the Employment Rights Act 2025 is implemented.
Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, said, “Freelancers are the backbone of the UK’s creative economy, yet their needs are too often invisible in policymaking. We are proud to have helped drive the creation of the APPG for freelancers, which marks a significant step forward in ensuring freelancers finally have a dedicated voice in Parliament.
“The APPG, combined with the new freelance champion role, creates a vital opportunity to build fairer, more inclusive policy that recognises freelance realities. The findings of our Big Bectu Survey made clear where reform is urgently needed, and we look forward to working with MPs, peers and partners to push for meaningful change.”
