Press Centre

The document expresses support for AI investment but emphasizes the need to protect performers’ rights and ensure comprehensive consultation with the creative industries before widespread AI adoption.

The document discusses the safety, regulatory, and financial issues faced by child performers in the UK, highlighting the need for national standards, streamlined regulations, and financial protections similar to California’s Coogan accounts.

We acknowledge the government’s recognition of the creative industries as a key economic pillar, offering insights on the importance of creative risk, and expressing a desire to contribute to ongoing policy discussions.

Spotlight expresses concern that extending employment benefits without recognizing the unique status of UK performers—who are classified as workers for national insurance but self-employed for tax, allowing them to claim business expenses—could introduce financial barriers for diverse groups and undermine the competitive success of the UK’s creative sector, and urges consultation to protect performers’ interests.

Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, this action plan outlines the opportunities that AI brings to drive economic growth and prosperity of the UK.

Spotlight and allied creative industry organisations request an urgent meeting with government officials to discuss the profound impact of upcoming HFSS advertising restrictions on the performing arts sector and seek a delay in the legislation’s implementation.