Creative industries generate £84 billion a year for the UK economy, almost £10m an hour
Their importance shouldn't be overlooked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New government figures have revealed just how important our filmmakers, musicians, artists and other creatives are to our economy, contributing £84 billion a year.
The number of jobs in creative industries has risen nearly 20 per cent since 2011 to 1.9 million, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport revealed this week.
Unfortunately, the announcement is almost certainly a response to Brexit - the government trying to curb the projected decline in revenue following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
‘What a performance! Stellar employment boom continues for the UK’s Creative Industries’ the headline on the government site screams.
Several film production company chiefs have shared their worries over the future of the industry in the UK, while WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell has said that he will be prioritising employing talent in other European markets.
“The Creative Industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories, commented Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John Whittingdale.
“That success is built upon the extraordinary talent which exists in this country, an amazing cultural heritage, the English language and a tax system designed to support and encourage growth in the creative sector.
“None of this is changed by the UK’s decision to leave the EU and I am confident that our creative industries will continue to thrive and take advantage of the new opportunities which are opening up to do business across the world.”
Creative industries’ contribution to the economy is often underestimated, the UK being home to a wealth of creative talent and leading the world in fields like VFX.
The new figures also revealed that diversity is up 45 per cent in the sector, and that dancers and choreographers, artists and programmers and software developers are among the most thriving creative professions.
The Creative Industries Council this week set up a working group to examine the EU referendum outcome.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments