New Statistics on WC Creatives

"Creative Access surveyed more than 1,900 people working in, or looking to pursue, a career in the creative industries to examine how financial barriers impact career progression.

Key findings include:

Just over three quarters (77%) have not applied for a job due to the associated high living or commuting costs

Over a third (35%) have refused job offers because of financial obstacless

76% of 18 - 25 year olds and 79% of 26 - 35 year-olds have not applied for roles due to financial pressures and 69% of 18 - 25 year olds have not taken up a role

The most common financial pressures impacting career progression are cited as unaffordable living, commuting and relocation costs

47% people surveyed say financial barriers have ‘greatly’ impacted their career progression – this increases to 61% for those from under-represented socio-economic backgrounds

80% of people who identified as having disabilities did not apply for a role and 59% did not take up a job offer because of financial barriers

Financial status also prevented 82% of people from under-represented socio-economic backgrounds from applying for roles and 58% from taking up a job offer

The top 5 creative sectors where potential candidates did not apply for a role due to financial reasons are:

Film – 86%

Music – 86%

Theatre – 85%

TV - 82%

Museums & Galleries - 81%

A report from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) has shown that social mobility is, 'a greater issue for the creative industries than across the wider economy', as people from privileged backgrounds are twice as likely to work in creative jobs as those from the working classes.

It is hard to understand the exact cause of this disparity, however, some attribute it to being less likely to have the right networks or cultural references, unpaid or unadvertised jobs ‘narrowing routes to entry’, the gig-economy nature of creative roles and increased upfront costs to jobs.

Whilst already known in the sector these statistics add to the growing concern that marginalised groups will continue to be pushed out of the sector as the industry continues to suffer as a result of Brexit and the pandemic.

It is key that we have a cultural sector that reflects the population. When the industry does not work to remove barriers, the creative outputs will in turn be held back."

Source: https://creativeaccess.org.uk/news/creative-access-mclaren-racing-launch-career-development-bursary/