Did you know that in London, some industries within the creative and cultural world, such as art, film and music, have a higher proportion of low-paid jobs compared to other industries?

Artichoke is among a group of accredited London Living Wage employers from the creative and cultural industries, which have joined forces to launch a Creative and Cultural Action Group.

The Action Group, which is part of the ‘Making London a Living Wage City’ project, was launched by Fiona Gordon, CEO of Ogilvy UK and WPP, and Angela Jain, Director of Unscripted UK – ITV Studios. The initiative aims to promote fair pay within the industry and increase the number of Living Wage accredited employers in the sector. New analysis by the Living Wage Foundation has revealed that 20.4% of jobs in the arts, entertainment and recreation are paid below the London Living Wage, which currently stands at £11.95.

The Action Group is a coalition of businesses in the creative industries, civil society, and public organisations, including: The Greater London Authority (GLA), WPP, ITV Studios, Creative UK, Artichoke, Guardian News & Media, Creature London, People Like Us, Youth Music, Bectu, Jerwood Arts, London Stadium, University of the Arts London, Living Wage Foundation and Citizens UK.

A group shot of the leaders of the coalition of businesses that are part of The Action Group
Helen Marriage, CEO/ Artistic Director of Artichoke (pictured on the far right), representing Artichoke at the Action Group Launch in London on Thursday 27 April 2023

The creative and cultural industries employ around 3.5 million people across the UK in a wide variety of roles, with 25% of all workers based in London. Yet, while the creative sector now generates over £115.9 billion, and is growing at twice the rate of the national economy, many of the industry’s workers do not see this growth reflected in their pay. With inflation soaring to 10.4% in February 2023, it’s never been more important to make sure workers and their families do not fall into in-work poverty.

At its heart, the Living Wage campaign is rooted in communities taking action to ensure workers are paid a wage that reflects the cost of living. As well as focusing on the issues around low pay, the project also tackles precarious work through Living Hours, a standard to help workers get the hours they need to make ends meet and protect them from job insecurity.

A fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. That is why I have long championed the London Living Wage and fully support this work to make London a Living Wage city.

~ The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan ~

Is your organisation accredited as a Living Wage employer?

Over 12,000 businesses across the UK are accredited Living Wage employers with the Living Wage Foundation. This means businesses voluntarily pledge to pay all their workers a real Living Wage, the only wage rate that takes into account the cost of living.

Get accredited here

 

Help us make London a Living Wage City

The campaign has received £4.8 million in funding, but we need workers, businesses and civil society groups to join the fight for fair pay.

Find out more about the Living Wage campaign