Stephen has written to the Home Secretary outlining his support for a campaign which seeks to include creative professionals on a list of self-employed workers.
A number of groups representing creative professionals are concerned that their members are unable to travel to the EU for work purposes following Brexit. Their omission from the list of self-employed workers benefitting from visa free travel has caused huge difficulties for many working in the creative and entertainment industries. Ministers had previously suggested that mobility for creative workers would be a priority during Brexit negotiations.
In his letter, Stephen noted that a number of his constituents would be affected by the free travel permit not applying to touring creatives and artists. He reminded the Home Secretary that many in the industry are reliant on income from performing abroad, and that more support was needed, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “Performers are some of the most mobile workers in our economy. The fact that they are no longer able to travel freely in the EU is a major blow to their livelihoods. It is troubling that the government reneged on a promise to ensure this group would be looked after, following our departure from the EU.
I hope the Home Secretary will look again at this issue and will continue to press on this matter.”