It’s official. The United Kingdom has finally left the EU, entering 11 months of limbo. The UK is obliged to still follow EU rules but cannot actively be involved in the European Parliament. But what does this mean for us creatives?
Many of us have been fortunate enough to work in our neighbouring countries for years. But with this Brexit deal now cemented, we’re still not sure about what to do next.
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
The UK’s creative industries contribute an outstanding £101.5 bn annually. 47% of creative workers are either freelancers or self-employed. Currently, London’s creative industry contributes a whopping £40bn! Such numbers can’t have been generated by UK nationals alone.
According to the Global Talent Report, a Federation survey found 75% of 250 businesses employed EU nationals. Culturally diverse teams tend to perform much better, exposing them to exciting skill sets and experiences. This allows businesses to understand different export markets and maintain relationships with them too. Companies within the creative industry sphere currently account for 10% of all UK service exports. With figures like these, freedom of movement has proven to be a crucial factor in regards to the success of the UK’s creative industry.
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has openly expressed despite the Brexit decision, nothing has changed: “You are Londoners. You don’t just enrich our city economically, but socially and culturally too.”
“From our food and our fashion to our innovation and our public services, you are pivotal to our city’s success and one of the central reasons why London remains the greatest city in the world.”
𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲?
The Global Talent Report has suggested introducing a ‘Creative Freelancer Visa’ for non-UK creatives, as it will help bring top EU creative talent into the UK. Similar actions have been put forward in Germany such as their ‘Artist Visa’. It is one of the many reasons why Germany is strongly considered a creative hub much like London and New York. Establishing a ‘Youth Mobility Scheme’ is another solution. Again this allows us to stay connected with our neighbouring talent, letting creative hubs like London continue to thrive to support the future as well as existing talent in the UK.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲
As of now, citizens from EU/EFTA countries are still able to move and work in the UK freely. From June 30th 2021, said citizens and their families are expected to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, in order to keep living in the UK. If you wish to travel to the EU, laws are expected to change from January 1st 2021. Gov.uk advises to make sure your passport is up to date: it must have 6 months left and be less than 10 years old.
Further action such as possessing proof of documentation (i.e. work visa) or membership from your overseas employment are basic necessities to have on stand-by. Working remotely if feasible is also something to consider.
Nevertheless, whatever occurs shouldn’t prevent top EU talent from helping to enrich the evolving creative space in London, let alone the UK.
