Paying Creatives a Living Wage Could Inject £42 Million into UK Economy, Study Finds

16 hours ago7 min read

A new economic study posits that establishing a living wage for the UK's creative sector is not only an ethical necessity but a powerful economic strategy, potentially boosting the national economy by £42 million. This finding underscores the financial potential of supporting the artists, designers, musicians, and writers who form the backbone of the nation's cultural identity.Mirroring the success of a comparable policy in Ireland, the analysis demonstrates that financial security for creators fuels a positive feedback loop. With the pressure of secondary jobs alleviated, creatives can dedicate more time to their craft, leading to enhanced artistic output, greater innovation, and increased commercial viability.This investment goes beyond equity; it is about strategically powering a key export industry. The projected £42 million uplift would cascade through the wider economy, benefiting adjacent sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and technology.Realising this potential, however, demands a coordinated approach. Policymakers, industry leaders, and corporate sponsors must collaborate to translate this evidence into tangible, enforceable wage standards. Without such action, the UK risks a continued talent exodus, where promising creative voices are lost to more financially secure professions, ultimately diminishing the country's cultural and economic vibrancy.

#living wage

#creatives

#UK economy

#music industry

#Ireland

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