Trade unions and creative industries join forces to save jobs at risk from online piracy

The technical measures proposed could include a reduction in bandwidth, the blocking of specific website content or, as a last resort for infringers who ignore repeated warnings and the implementation of other technical measures, temporary suspension of internet access. The Coalition supports the position of the Government that the implementation of a fair, fast and effective appeals process is essential as part of these measures. Without strong action, it will be impossible for Government to fulfil its pledge to reduce illegal filesharing by 70-80% by 2011.The creative industries represent one of the most innovative and widely appreciated sectors of the UK economy, generating output that not only creates £112.5 billion in revenue but also entertains millions of people. The Government has estimated its contribution to UK GDP as being 8%. The wider contribution of the entertainment sector in the UK is evidenced by its role in exporting British talent across the world and hence safeguarding the country’s position as a global creative hub.

Importantly, the creative industries provide 1.8 million jobs in the UK across the stages of the supply chain, from production to distribution and marketing. During a time in which unemployment is rising sharply, a major priority for Government must be to work in partnership with employers in the sector in order not only to safeguard existing jobs but also to help create the environment in which businesses can flourish and new jobs can be created.

A report published last year found that up to 800,000 people work in the UK TV, film, music and software sectors¹ alone, and with piracy depriving their businesses of up to 20% of their revenues every year, many of these jobs are at serious risk. These include a wide range of people, such as sound engineers, camera crews, set designers, IT workers, make-up artists, journalists, print workers, script writers, proofreaders, retail shop assistants and freelance photographers. 

Christine Payne, General Secretary of Equity, says, “The fact that so many jobs are under threat is seriously alarming. Our creative sector produces world-class content, bringing joy to countless people across the UK and the world, but this can’t be sustained if illegal filesharing persists. There has never been a more critical time to take bold action against those who are threatening the livelihoods of everyone working in the entertainment sector.”

John McVay, Chief Executive of Pact, says, “It’s unacceptable that more than 50% of our digital infrastructure is dedicated to the distribution of illegal content, especially when our industry is suffering as a result. It’s also outrageous that hard working people should be at risk of losing jobs, simply because some people consider stealing online content to be acceptable, which is why we support any steps Government takes to ensure the full and proper protection of our sector in its Digital Economy Bill.”

In a joint statement sent to Lord Mandelson, trade union and industry leaders are calling for Government to recognise three important principles when drafting the Digital Economy Bill:

• The policy environment for the creative industries should be accorded top priority, especially given the current economic situation and Government’s settled view that the creative sector can drive future growth in the UK economy and the creation of new jobs.
• The use of technical measures should be recognised as an effective and necessary tool in encouraging the legitimate use of the internet and should be implemented without delay. 
• Measures aimed at changing the behaviour of illegal file-sharers should be graduated and proportionate and accompanied by a fair, fast and effective appeals process.  Litigation against consumers should only be required as a last resort.

Martin Spence, Assistant General Secretary of BECTU, concludes, “The Digital Economy Bill represents a vital opportunity for Government to save and create jobs as well as ensure that the fans of books, sport, music, film and TV can have online access to their favourite high-quality content in a way that does not harm the people who help create it. The rights of consumers and the rights of workers need to be given equal priority.”

¹  Europe Economics. “The UK film, TV, music and software sectors: their importance to employment and output”, December 2008. 

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview with a union or industry spokesperson, please call Marisa Fitch or Mitchell Simmons on 07786 757079/ 07779 660182 or
email pressoffice@creativecoalitioncampaign.org.uk. 

NOTES TO EDITOR

• The Creative Coalition Campaign is a grouping of entertainment unions supported by the TUC and creative business representatives which has joined forces with the aim of protecting jobs in the creative industries by calling on Government to enact targeted measures against illegal peer-to-peer filesharing in the Digital Economy Bill. 
• Supporters of the creative coalition campaign include: The Alliance Against IP Theft, BECTU, BPI, British Video Association, The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Limited, Directors UK, Entertainment Retailers Association, Equity, Federation of Entertainment Unions, Film Distributors’ Association, Motion Picture Association, Musicians Union, Pact, Premier League, The Publishers Association, TUC and Unite.

A full copy of the submission and further information is available at www.creativecoalitioncampaign.org.uk