Inquiry into UK film and TV industry ‘deeply concerned about retention of staff’
The inquiry has investigated what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the UK as a global destination for production.
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.The chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee has said an inquiry into British film and high-end television is “deeply concerned about skills, working conditions, and the retention of staff in the industry”.
In a letter to the Culture Secretary, Dame Caroline Dinenage, said the industry “faces considerable uncertainty”.
Dame Caroline said that investment boomed following the pandemic “but fell dramatically last year leaving studios empty, crews out of work and cinemas questioning how to programme their screens”.
“We have heard that these challenges could have been mitigated if the UK had a stronger domestic, independent sector and was less reliant on inward production,” she said.
More work is needed to get to grip with these issues, as a failure to do so now will harm our ability to attract and staff productions in the future.
“We believe this warrants further investigation.”
She continued: “We are also deeply concerned about skills, working conditions, and the retention of staff in the industry.
“More work is needed to get to grip with these issues, as a failure to do so now will harm our ability to attract and staff productions in the future.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a July 4 General Election on Wednesday and Dame Caroline said she hopes the next government “will continue to champion and support all facets of our screen industries”.
“Given the huge value that film and HETV contributes, and the deep questions that remain about its resilience, we strongly urge our successor Committee to revisit the evidence we have received and continue scrutiny of this vital industry,” she added.
After Parliament is dissolved on May 30, all committees will cease to exist until new ones are appointed by the new House of Commons.
The inquiry was launched in July 2023 and has investigated what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the UK as a global destination for production.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.