We are the UK performing arts & entertainment trade union, made up of 50,000 performers & creative practitioners. Get in touch: equity.org.uk/contact-us
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🔈 A message for Equity members
We share the frustration of many members at new @SpotlightUK tiered membership.
We recommend no @EquityUK member takes out ‘Premier membership’ until we understand the reasons for the change, & Council has discussed casting policy this November.
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1/7 We are deeply concerned that Arts Council England’s new guidance for funded organisations will censure the freedom of expression of arts institutions and gag artists, especially those working in the activist or political space.
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⚠️.CASTING WARNING ⚠️
Equity is aware of a film production asking performers to submit nude audition tapes.
If you are approached by a production going by either 'The Power' or 'Lone Viking' and asked for nude tapes, do not engage and instead report the incident to Equity ASAP.
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An enormous win for our campaign to protect public service broadcasting and in the fight to save
@Channel4.
We will continue to fight against privatisation in all its forms and continue our campaign to co-operatise, regionalise and democratise these vital services.
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Thanks to @twhiddleston for supporting our My Card My Union campaign. If you’re not a member, why not join today? Head over to equity.org.uk/how-to-join and see what it’s all about #MyCardMyUnion #ProudtobeEquity
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Congratulations to Dame Emma Thompson, who has today received the insignia of a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire while taking the opportunity to wear an #EqualPay badge to Buckingham Palace.
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After having his voice stolen by artificial intelligence, Equity member David Holt has spoken out to @symeonbrown on @Channel4News.
As David says, a legal framework must be put in place to stop AI stealing artists' performances and likeness.
#StopAIStealingtheShow
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EQUITY WIN: Equity and Independent Theatre Council agree pay rises and major improvements to working conditions for performers, stage managers & creatives.
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Update: Spotlight‼️
'The cost of casting should not be borne by artists seeking work'
We have today issued a letter to Spotlight regarding potential legal action.
For full details of this development go to our website
equity.org.uk/news/2024/spot…
ALT Image reads 'Equity' in light purple on dark purple background
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Last week when our brothers and sisters in @sagaftra went on strike, we said we would stand in unwavering solidarity with them.
Today our members made good on that promise.
ALT Photo shows from left to right: John McDonnell MP, Sonali Bhattacharyya, Naomie Harris OBE, Rebecca Yeo, Andy Serkis, David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell, Rob Delaney, Brian Cox, Simon Pegg, Golda Rosheuvel, Imelda Staunton CBE, Jim Carter OBE and Paul W Fleming in London's Leicester Square holding large lavender banner that reads 'Equity Stands In Solidarity With SAG-AFTRA'.
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Many thanks to David Tennant who has donated to our Benevolent Fund. We are receiving a large amount of requests for support from members during this crisis. So if you can help, please do and if you need help, please ask. Go to: equity.org.uk/benfund #GiveHelpGetHelp
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A letter from a member, about the importance of being given a "no" after an audition. #CastingManifesto
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Unions must stand in solidarity with those affected by yesterday's Supreme Court judgement and defend trans women and men in the workplace and all walks of life. 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
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Today's your last chance to enter @RikRankin's raffle for a signed & framed Artist's Proof taken at Glencoe, with all proceeds going to our Benevolent Fund 💜
One ticket costs just £10, and you can find out more & enter on Richard's website at richardrankinphoto.com
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Today we launch #StandUpFor17 - calling for a 17% wage increase for the lowest paid in the West End.
With fuel & travel costs increasing, and inflation at a 40-year high, it is vital that our members have the means to keep afloat.
Will you #StandUpFor17?
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DEAR CHANCELLOR @RishiSunak Creatives, freelancers and self-employed workers deserve the same support and respect as employees in secure jobs. Read our letter to the Chancellor below and online here: equity.org.uk/dear-chancello…
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"It’s time the people who make their living out of performers let us know whether we have a job or not" – An opening letter to the casting industry from Equity President Maureen Beattie, @MaureenBeattie2 #yesorno bit.ly/32F71LA
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If you are feeling distressed or have any worries about your mental health please ring Equity's 24/7 helpline on 0800 917 6470. Further sources of help can be found on the ArtsMinds website here: artsminds.co.uk
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🚨BREAKING NEWS 🚨
📢New campaign launched by Equity and @EquityAudio to give videogames performers fair pay, safe workplaces and control over their work!
🎮Game On! 🎮 #EquityGameOn
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Following the #SpeakingOut movement, Equity is asking all UK professional wrestling promotions to commit to 5 pledges that will protect entertainers in the industry from abuse & harassment.
Let's make the industry a better & safer one for all.
equity.org.uk/speakingoutres…
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We are meeting the Chancellor's adviser this morning ahead of @RishiSunak's announcement later today. We will be emphasising the particular circumstances of creative workers within the freelance/self-employed sector and your urgent need for support.
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The offer of 10k clubcard points in return for a potential paid acting job is a sham and makes a mockery of a just wage for real work.
Feel free to contact us @Tesco so we can discuss how to fairly compensate voice over artists.
essexlive.news/whats-on/tesc…
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Equity and SAG-AFTRA have this evening released a joint statement following the announcement of US industrial action below.
Our solidarity statement and full advice to members can be read here: equity.org.uk/solidarity-sta…
ALT Graphic reads: "Equity UK stands in unwavering solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and its members in their effort to achieve a fair and equitable contract, and for the good of performers working around the world. Equity UK will support SAG-AFTRA and its members by all lawful means. Because of existing anti-trade union laws in the UK, SAG-AFTRA members currently working under an Equity UK collective bargaining agreement should continue to report to work. Equity UK will support SAG-AFTRA’s refusal to issue new Global Rule One addenda that undermine the strike during the pendency of the strike. Standing together, we will work to achieve the wages and working conditions that all performers deserve". The statement is signed SAG-AFTRA and Equity.
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We have grave concerns about Spotlight’s latest price hike. Since 2023, Equity has explored legal routes to challenge unreasonable fees charged by casting directories.
A full update will be given to the new Council next Tuesday 9th & members updated on progress later that week
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Today we launch a new Code of Practice on self-tape and Zoom auditions.
A collaboration between @CDGNews, @Equity, Personal Managers' Association & Co-operative Personal Management Association, the guide aims to create a process that works for everyone.
equity.org.uk/at-work/guides…
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Performers deserve to be given a "no" after an unsuccessful audition, and informed about the withdrawal of a pencil. Our #CastingManifesto is clear: actors must be told whether or not they will be needed at the earliest possible opportunity. ow.ly/IeXD30jlQnN
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We welcome the news that theatres & performance venues can reopen with social distancing in August, but the reality is the vast majority will not be opening. Creative workers need clarity on how the arts funding package will support them to get back to work safely @OliverDowden
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“I’m at the top of my game and have been for a while and I still have to work two other jobs. It’s exhausting. I can’t afford a ticket to see the show I’m in"
Tomorrow, the campaign launches.
Watch this space.
#StandUpFor17
standard.co.uk/news/london/s…
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We see & stand with those sharing their experiences of sexual harassment & bullying in the wrestling industry. We will be meeting with members next week. Our Harassment Helpline is 020 7670 0268 or harassment@equity.org.uk #SpeakingOut Our campaign here: equity.org.uk/agenda-for-cha…
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Equity is aware of some casts & SM teams finding out about later show reopenings via social media; we are looking into the circumstances where it has happened. Our agreements have protections to guard against this unfair practice. Our solidarity is with all members affected.
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A pause in the rollout of 'Premiere' is welcome, but the only good outcome of a reconsideration is abandoning the idea of tiered membership benefits on Spotlight. 🧵 [1/3]
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REVEALED: Arts Council England’s guidelines warning arts organisations that “political statements” could break funding agreements was formulated in relation to the Israel-Gaza war
Read @guardian’s exclusive uncovered by our Freedom of Information request
theguardian.com/culture/arti…
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Equity is very disappointed to see the continued lack of diversity in the BAFTA film awards nominations. We note that BAFTA is also disappointed by this outcome. We call upon @BAFTA to meet with us to discuss how we can work together to ensure this does not happen in the future
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Thousands of creative workers campaigned for this new deal from @OliverDowden and they must be included in it. Buildings may now survive this crisis, but will the workers? General Secretary Christine Payne is meeting @DCMS tomorrow & will be putting this point & examining detail
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Due to Brexit the UK is crashing out of Creative Europe, a film & TV funding body that provided more than €74m to the UK in 2018. Equity believes the government needs to address the shortfall in funding and is demanding an increase in spending on the arts budget to 0.5% of GDP
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⚠️ WE NEED ALL OUR MEMBERS TO SHARE THIS ⚠️
Every. Single. Company. currently playing a West End theatre is ready to #StandUpFor17🔥
Working in the West End shouldn’t mean having a second job to pay the bills.
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The re-opening of indoor performance has been delayed.
Less than 0.2% of the £1.57bn arts fund will directly support workers.
Our members are being left behind.
We're calling for a recovery plan that protects both workers and their workplaces:
petition.parliament.uk/petit…
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Victory to @sagaftra! Our sister union is on strike in the United States, fighting for a fair contract, and facing the same issues we face here in the UK.
Join us at 12pm Friday 21 July to demonstrate our solidarity, and show the bosses that unions are ready to win this fight!
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We are currently responding to the government's proposed road map for live performance re-opening but without government intervention soon the industry will be decimated. The recent announcement from Theatre Royal Plymouth underlines that the industry desperately needs👇
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Equity statement in response to today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that he has requested a dissolution of Parliament.
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🚨 SPOTLIGHT UPDATE 🚨
This morning eight Equity members filed papers at the High Court in a class action against Spotlight. #TaxOnHope
Find out why 👇
equity.org.uk/news/2024/spot…
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We are working with @DCMS on how live performance can begin again, but we have made it crystal clear to @OliverDowden that without an investment plan to protect jobs & workplaces these efforts to develop return to work guidance will be meaningless 👇
:standard.co.uk/go/london/the…
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🚨 Oldham Coliseum Saved! 🚨
💪We’re proud to be part of the community coalition that saved Oldham Coliseum and to have campaigned to #SaveOldhamColiseum from Day 1.
🔎Arts Council England still have questions to answer!
🙌We did it! Full story and comment⬇️
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Equity release statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
"It is clear that a mere humanitarian pause will only delay more bloodshed. We call on the UK Government, and British politicians of all sides to stand up against genocide, and focus on getting hostages home, not the punishment of civilians. We demand that the UK government calls for an immediate ceasefire."
Read the full story on our website: tinyurl.com/4ntun3m4
ALT Image reads 'Equity calls for a ceasefire in Gaza' above photo from Gaza where a bomb has exploded in the background
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UPDATE: Yesterday we met with Tesco to discuss their recent TikTok competition & made clear that payment in kind (via Clubcard points) is never appropriate compensation for voiceover work.
We'll always advocate for decent pay & combat the de-professionalisation of audio work.
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We have contacted Chancellor @RishiSunak today to discuss a rescue package for our industry, including an income guarantee for our members over the coming months. Later today we will be contacting members & publishing the steps we are taking to combat this crisis.
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Huge congratulations to our #OliviaColman for a deserved win. Films #TheFavourite and big winner #BohemianRhapsody were made on Equity contracts & in the past 5 years we have collected more than £60 million for performers. Time to join?
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🚨UPDATE: Spotlight🚨
Following our November Council meeting Equity’s new policy on Spotlight and casting directories has been announced
Check our website for full details ⬇️:
tinyurl.com/4y33fn39
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"Today’s announcement is as underwhelming as it is terrifying. Only 40% of our members have received any money from the SEISS - and how can 20% of profit be anywhere near enough to survive on?"
@paulwfleming reacting to @RishiSunak's statement today.
equity.org.uk/news/2020/sept…
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Thank you to Joan Collins @Joancollinsdbe for contributing to our Benevolent Fund. We have been inundated for requests for help & we are rapidly getting grants out to those in need. If you can help, please do, if you need help, please ask: equity.org.uk/benfund #GiveHelpGetHelp
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CHANCELLOR'S STATEMENT: Entertainment workers have been badly let down by the government.The Chancellor claims that “any employer” will be eligible for the job retention scheme - not in our sector. Full statement below and here:bit.ly/3biljWr
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Equity stands in solidarity with @sagaftra members in negotiations and on picket lines today, fighting for the future of performers everywhere.
✊ Your fight is our fight. #SagAftraStrong
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"My fellow actors, performers and creative practitioners have found that their livelihoods have been extinguished and there is no sign or plan of a viable way out of this."
Our thanks to Peter Capaldi for supporting our Benevolent Fund. Find out more at equity.org.uk/benfund
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Equity has today published an open letter to Virgin Trains in response to their competition. Find the full letter here: bit.ly/2HvUnqJ
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Equity has secured the first ever direct trade union agreement with Netflix. This is a GLOBAL FIRST & reflects the strength of the union & the talent of its members. We're also in discussions with all the new streaming platforms. More: bit.ly/2IKoR7A #ProudToBeEquity
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We welcome the investment announced for the arts & thank our members for their campaigning work. It is unclear how the £880m in grants for our sector will directly support the creative workers that arts organisations rely on. We need details. Statement: equity.org.uk/fundingnews
ARTS NEWS
🎭A £1.57 BILLION emergency support package
🩰 Weeks in the making to make this world leading fund to help the arts weather the storm of Covid
🎶 I said I wouldn’t let the arts down.
Culture and the arts matter, and this Govt backs you
@RishiSunak @ace_national
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CALL TO ACTION: Re-opening is not enough. The performing arts will not survive without direct investment in creative workers. Sign & share Equity President @MaureenBeattie2's petition to get the government to implement our four pillar plan for recovery: petition.parliament.uk/petit…
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We are witnessing a lost generation of working class talent because of the crisis in arts education and years of underfunding of the arts.
We must not allow the arts to be dominated by the privileged and wealthy.
Join the fight back @equity_class
‘I’m sick of it!’ The diabolical reality of being one of the few working-class people in TV theguardian.com/tv-and-radio…
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PETITION: PLEASE SIGN The UK's creative workers need & deserve an income guarantee. The vast majority of our members earn modest sums from their work & do not have savings to fall back on. The Government needs to talk to all the creative unions NOW: chng.it/jtwvdTxpb4
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Dear @RishiSunak:
• reduce energy bills via a windfall tax on fossil fuel giants
• reinstate Universal Credit £20 uplift & extend to legacy benefits
• scrap the VAT & national insurance hike
• strengthen workers’ rights & repeal anti-trade union laws
#SpringStatement
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People at the bottom of the pile are just not getting a fair suck at the sauce bottle...
Miriam Margolyes has pledged to #StandUpFor17.
Will you?
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We've agreed our first ever Code of Conduct for professional wrestlers with @ProWrestlingEVE. If you're a pro wrestler, we're in your corner: bit.ly/2KtWJpZ
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Huge applause of agreement from the crowd as @MPeakeOfficial addresses the 300 strong audience at our #SaveOldhamColiseum meeting:
“We’ve got to save this theatre. They’ve got to pull their finger out. This isn’t good enough. Art isn’t just for the elite, it’s for everybody”
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Hundreds out this morning in protest against the @ace_national cuts at @E_N_O.
You’ll never walk alone.
#loveENO
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HUNDREDS of you have turned out at Holyrood to say no to the death of the arts in Scotland.
Together we’re sending our message loud and clear: Stop the cuts - tax wealth instead!
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Equity has launched a groundbreaking support system for members dealing with mental health problems. This includes a new 24/7 mental health & well-being helpline on 0800 917 6470 and counselling sessions funded by the union. Find out more here: bit.ly/2SF179C
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The Government’s welfare reforms would breach international human rights law, says new expert legal opinion commissioned by Equity
Time to drop this morally & economically indefensible bill that attacks the rights & living standards of disabled people
equity.org.uk/news/2025/welf…
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If you are an Equity member and finding things difficult, remember you can call our mental health and well-being line at any time - day or night.
Call 0800 917 6470 for free and confidential mental health support 💜
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Another shining light of our cultural life is on the brink.We told @OliverDowden that his roadmap is meaningless without financial support for creative workers&their workplaces. We must now press @RishiSunak to deliver the support our cultural sector needs in his speech on 8 July
The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has announced it could have to make up to 65% of its permanent staff redundant, claiming it has been left with no other choice but to scale back the organisation in order to survive bit.ly/2NRLJ7L
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Equity is delighted that a job share has been agreed with Charlene and hope that all engagers will follow this example and agree more job shares with our members
In news hailed as a "landmark moment" for theatre, @Charleneford85, a performer in @42ndStreetLDN, has made West End history by becoming the first to take a role on a job-share basis after returning to work following the birth of her son @PIPAinfo bit.ly/2QnTu5o
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Thanks to Olivia Colman for supporting our My Card My Union campaign. If you’re a member too share your own card selfie to show your support for the union (do remember to obscure your number though!) #MyCardMyUnion #ProudtobeEquity
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Equity's General Secretary met @DCMS this morning. She forcibly argued for government intervention to save the live performance industry. Equity is calling on @OliverDowden & @RishiSunak to urgently deliver an investment plan to protect jobs & workplaces: bit.ly/3eHPn09
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Equity is sad to learn of Sean Connery's death.
Sir Sean never forgot his working class roots, or the fight for the cause of working people.
A lifelong supporter of Equity, the first James Bond & a brilliant actor, he will be missed & remembered by many.
bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment…
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There is no place for homophobia in society. Equity stands in solidarity with the cast and crew of @RotterdamPlay and will do everything we can to assist members who experience this kind of hate crime.
Actors in a touring production of @rotterdamplay have reported being attacked in what has been described as a “cowardly homophobic hate crime”. The couple had stones thrown at them from a passing car and were verbally abused bit.ly/31nETww
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Mick Lynch sums it up.
Equity members will be affected by these strikes, but we know where the blame truly lies.
We're united in solidarity with @RMTLondon wherever the fight against bad bosses exists.
Your struggle is our struggle.
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Following the Weinstein revelations, Equity wants to emphasise that we will defend members who experience sexual harassment in the workplace
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A massive thank you from all at Equity to @RikRankin, who is raffling a signed & framed Artist's Proof taken at Glencoe and donating all the proceeds to our Benevolent Fund 💜
Entering costs just £10, and you can find out more on Richard's website at richardrankinphoto.com
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We are extremely concerned with the Governments plans to prematurely end the legal requirement for self isolation, at a time when performances in theatres are still being cancelled due to sickness both front and backstage.
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Farewell #JuneWhitfield. Not only an immense talent in comedy and drama, but one of the most gracious of performers. Thanks for sharing your gift with us all June. #RIP
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Our industry is closed. Our members haven't worked since March.
Two fifths of an income is not enough to live on.
The self-employed are struggling to survive, yet "ministers are taking away their life raft and leaving them to sink or swim" (@Ed_Miliband)
“The promise of doing ‘whatever it takes’ to protect workers is a distant memory. Despite public health restrictions tightening and many sectors being shut, Ministers are leaving self-employed people in the lurch." - @Ed_Miliband
labour.org.uk/press/half-a-m…
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TAKE ACTION FOR CREATIVE WORKERS: Many people are not covered by @RishiSunak’s self-employed scheme & Equity is urging government to close the gaps. To make sure no one is unsupported, RT this letter and tag your MP. Find their handle at tweetyourmp.com/
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While we welcome this news, the majority of live performance can’t reopen with socially distanced audiences.
Our members are still out of work and in urgent need of income support.
This industry will not survive without the first of Equity’s four pillars - workforce protection.
🎭 News
Indoor Performances with socially distanced audiences will be permitted from this weekend
Another important step on the recovery of the arts, helped by our £1.57bn rescue package
This Government is #HereForCulture
@ace_national
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"This job will give great exposure." #SixWordHorrorStory
#ProfessionallyMadeProfessionallyPaid
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A very happy New Year to all our members. May your 2019 be filled with wonderful, glorious, well paying work! 🎉
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Bullying & sexual harassment are not acceptable. Remember, members can talk to the union in confidence. Statement: ow.ly/9PpK30fPjGY
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“We are two unions with the same fight and I applaud them [SAG-AFTRA]”
Equity member of 50+ years, Jim Carter OBE speaking to Variety our London rally yesterday ⬇️
#DowntonAbbey star Jim Carter on the problem of streaming residuals: "That's ridiculous, because our performance isn't just for the premiere or the opening night, it's for as long as it lasts and we should be fairly recognized for that." bit.ly/44xZaje
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FIGHT FOR CREATIVE WORKERS The Government is asking for feedback on its financial response to #coronavirus.Tell them we need protection for all freelance and self-employed workers. No one should be left behind because their employment is insecure. EMAIL BY 5PM: tsc@parliament.uk
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5. Most significantly, the agreement makes clear that the principal responsibility for finding & providing accommodation sits with producers, meaning stressful extra labour for the workforce & the undignified situation of staying in unsanitary & unsafe conditions can be prevented
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Devastating news yesterday - with just £2m set to help freelancers from the £1.57bn fund, our members are being left behind. We urgently call on @OliverDowden & @RishiSunak to implement our four pillar plan - add your voice to ours by writing to your MP:
bit.ly/3g9Vxa5
Wait for date to fully reopen theatres spells disaster for panto season theguardian.com/stage/2020/j…
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The omission of creative workers from the list of self-employed professions benefiting from visa free travel post-Brexit is a huge blow to our members & the UK entertainment industry.
Write to your MP & support our campaign to protect creative workers👇
equity.eaction.org.uk/protec…
Protect Creative Workers following the UK's exit from the EU (Westminster MPs)
equity.eaction.org.uk 1
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If you don't have a private income then you can't afford to work for free. Why should you anyway? Support #MadeAndPaid - resist unpaid work.
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We've written to @RishiSunak urging him to take action to protect the creative workforce as Omicron cases rise.
With performances & bookings already cancelled we need a plan NOW to support our 1000s of members losing essential income.
Read the letter: ow.ly/K5GW50HciF7
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We stand with our sisters and brothers in the US, UK and throughout the world who are speaking out against inequality, injustice and racism following the murder of George Floyd.
#BlackLivesMatter
👇 Statement below and here: bit.ly/3eC1tHn
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A huge thank you to all the members who came to celebrate the union's 90th anniversary year and the launch of the My Card My Union campaign last night. Find out more here: bit.ly/2GnBRRI
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We want a European creative visa, protection for the BBC, and investment in the arts. Are you with us? Thanks to @MaureenBeattie2 @HoldbrooksMyth @Tony_Robinson @susieharker & Miriam Margolyes equity.org.uk/number10 #DefendTheArts #BackTheBBC
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Equity President @MaureenBeattie2 & General Secretary @paulwfleming are appealing to our members to stand in solidarity with education unions ✊ 🎓 🍎
Read their statement and sign a petition calling for schools to return only when it is safe to do so 👉 bit.ly/385d6pU
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