Nearly 40% of theatre and arts workers in London have been made redundant since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to ITV News.
Many of the workers, including backstage and bar staff working at the capital’s biggest venues, have also struggled to access vital Government support schemes such as furlough.
Of those who did receive support, more than half say the payments were so small they were unable to pay their household bills.
The findings come from an ITV News survey, conducted alongside the union Bectu, of more than 1,000 people living or working in London’s theatre, TV production, and live events industries.
It comes exactly one year since theatres closed in the UK, a day known in the industry as ‘Dark Monday’ due to the devastating impact of the pandemic on London’s West End.
Responding to the survey, famous West End actor Michael Ball described the findings as “heartbreaking”.
The survey found:
* 39% of workers had been made redundant at some point during the last year
* 20% have been unable to receive any financial support payment from the Government (including Furlough and the Self-Employment Income Scheme (SEISS)
* 49% say the payments were not big enough to cover their household bills
* More than 54% workers have lost more than half their income during the last year
* Nearly 60% have considering quitting the industry altogether because of the impact of pandemic
Will the West End ever recover?
Worth reading in full.
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You would need to have a heart of stone not to laugh.
Like father like son.
I thought Alastair Campbell was a “socialist”. Funny business for a socialist to be involved in.
Ah, but the actual joys of socialism (general poverty, dependence on state handouts, etc) are only for the great unwashed masses, the stupid proletariat.
In any practical socialist society the nomenclature enjoys special privileges.
Oh isn’t this just firkin marvellous? Wonderful news as this disastrous year draws to a close.
Squirm and sweat you bastards.
Love it.
T B will be calling in a few favours. I doubt he’ll be helping out with any cash though.
I’m looking forward to more on this story. I think the saying is…
Popcorn Time.
And he’s a Burnley supporter, apparently.
Pales into insignificance as regards 100,000 to a million plus dead in Iraq.
May he, Blair and others of his ilk ie the majority of our wonderful MP’s rot in Hell.
I feel sorry for Burnley. Same for Palace having unfunny Jo Brand as a fan.
I notice the Daily Telegraph won’t allow comments on this story, I wonder why?
Too much vitriol for Campbell to take – even though he deserves it.
Psychopath breeds a psychopath
No one beats the bookies long term, the investors must have been pretty dense to believe they could.
Delicious
Excellent news. A fool and his money are easily parted and once again, greed is justly rewarded.
Bliar Campbell & Falconer are the architects of the UK,s downfall ! Human Filth ……
And just think the ” Prince of Darkness ” has just been given a job. The mind boggles.
So a Get Rich Quick scheme has failed.
Cry me a river.
No comedy here
OK it was Brexit
Remember K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M from Horace Batcheler on Radio Luxemburg. Did anyone ever make any money except Horace himself?
Did AC help compile reports and accounts? Just asking.
Took me a while to stop laughing after reading about this. Liar Campbell and Flatmate Charlie both losing out. Love it.
“Oh what a tangled web you weave, if you first set out to deceive.”
SW.