Parliament will today (3 December) host the launch of the Broadcasting, Entertainment and Arts Unions (BEAU) group, with over 40 MPs set to attend its first official event.
BEAU unites five trade unions across the arts and entertainment industries; Equity, NUJ, WGGB, the MU and BECTU, to work together on overarching issues which effect all its members. Formerly known as the Federation of Entertainment Unions, the rebrand of the group coincides with the launch of the BEAU All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which held its inaugural meeting on 3 October to elect four parliamentarians as its officers.
The overarching theme of BEAU’s launch will be access to work and the barriers to entering arts industries, whether in relation to arts higher education, unfair and hidden costs to finding work, or ensuring a BBC that fosters sustainable careers in the arts and journalism. Wider work through the APPG is to include tackling policy issues such as the review of Arts Council England, the BBC Charter renewal process or improved rights for freelancers facing precarious conditions.
At its inaugural meeting over 20 parliamentarians joining the APPG with members electing Claire Hanna MP (SDLP) as Chair, with Kim Johnson (Labour), Greg Smith (Conservatives) and Baroness Harding (Conservatives) as Vice-Chairs.