Cross-party parliamentary group launches to champion freelancers

Bectu has launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers, working closely with parliamentarians and sector partners Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS), Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), Directors UK, and Freelancers Make Theatre Work.

The union stated that the “long‑overdue forum” is designed to address the challenges facing freelancers and to ensure their experiences are properly reflected in legislation.

Bectu’s Big Survey revealed that: 72% of creative freelancers experienced income instability; 60% reported barriers to accessing parental rights; and over half struggled with gaps in social security and employment protections. According to the union, the research underscores the urgent need for the policy reforms the APPG has been established to pursue.

The APPG held its inaugural AGM on Monday 9 March 2026, formally constituting the group and setting its initial priorities.

Polly Billington MP was elected Chair, with Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town, and Matt Turmaine MP elected as Officers. The APPG secretariat is provided jointly by Bectu, ALCS, DACS, Directors UK, and Freelancers Make Theatre Work.

Members agreed on an initial programme of work, including improving understandings of freelance work structures across the UK Government, addressing financial precarity, and access to growth opportunities. The group will also focus on employment protections, parental rights, pensions, and the legal definition of freelancing as the Employment Rights Act 2025 is implemented.

The group has formed ahead of the appointment of the Government’s Freelance Champion, a post Bectu lobbied for.

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.”

Bullying and harassment of workers is still rife across the creative industries, as seven in 10 women in the sector have experienced bad behaviour, according to research by creative industries union Bectu. Discover more here.