In light of recent events, The production Guild have set up a page with links to support members which includes advice, updates, guidance and industry and national institutions that can provide assistance if needed. They also continue to liaise with key partners, stakeholders and the Government to ensure relevant measures are taken and adequate support is available for those affected by Covid -19.
Below is their summary as of April 3rd, 2020. You can find the link with regularly updated information here.
Government advice
GOV.UK – You can find all the latest practical advice around COVID-19 on the Government’s website here. (You can also find a summary of government schemes here.)
Industry advice
BFI – The BFI have produced a Q&A which sets out information and guidance they have so far on COVID-19 and its impact on the sector at large – including for freelancers, exhibitors and productions. It signposts resources and support made available by Government and other stakeholders and covers the following topics: General advice and guidance, Freelancers and the self-employed Cinemas, exhibitors and SMEs Read more
Pact – Pact have produced advice around COVID-19 and its potential impact on productions – read more
BECTU – BECTU have released advice around COVID 19, including information for freelancers working in film and TV and workers in theatre, live events and the arts – read more
The Film and TV Charity – is available 24/7 on 0800 054 00 00. It offers emotional support, advice and also support grants if you’re experiencing significant financial difficulties and discuss issues in relation to freelance workers and those on limited hours contracts. Read more
Industry Support funds
COVID-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund – The BFI and Film and TV Charity have set up a new COVID-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund with a £1m donation from Netflix UK to support the industry with short-term relief for active workers that are directly affected by the Coronovirus. To be the first to hear when the fund launches, join their mailing list here
Film and TV workers fund for location support – The sole purpose of this fund is to assist members of the locations department who have and will encounter immediate financial difficulties resulting from the unprecedented shutdown of almost all productions in the UK because of the Covid -19 Pandemic Read more
Arts Council England – has pledged £160 million of emergency funding available for those organisations and individuals who will need it during this crisis, and we have also changed the funding requirements for individuals and organisations currently in receipt of our funding. Read more
Creative Scotland has launched three funding programmes designed to provide further support to sustain the country’s creative community during the COVID-19 outbreak – a Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund, a parallel Screen Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund and The Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development: Read more
The Royal Theatrical Fund – The Royal Theatrical Fund provides support for people of all ages who have worked in the entertainment industry. Read more.
Financial and employment updates
IR35 Tax reforms postponed – Postponement of IR35 tax reforms announced Chief Treasury Secretary, Steve Barclay, has announced that the IR35 tax reforms will be postponed by one year until 6 April 2021. So our activity around the legislation changes will take place later in the year along with the webinar and best practice recommendations. In the meantime if you have any queries please email pg@productionguild.com
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Employment law implications (Wiggin) – An employment law update regarding the implications of COVID-19 has been provided by PG affiliate, Wiggin. This covers sick pay and changes to statutory sick pay, time off for dependents, homeworking, and an update on the delay to 1R35 changes. Members can access the advice on our resources page here.
Coronavirus Relief Measures – What you need to know (Wiggin) – these guidelines have been published by PG affiliate Wiggin LLP which members can access on our resources page here.
COVID-19: guidance for employees – read the latest Government advice here.
Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19) – read the latest Government advice here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – The CJRS will be open to all UK businesses and will allow employers to reclaim up to 80% of the wage costs of ‘furloughed workers’ (i.e. workers that they can’t afford to pay because of the crisis), up to a cap per worker of £2,500 per month. Read more.
Self Employment
The industry has welcomed new financial support for self-employed workers announced by the Chancellor on Thursday. Those eligible can claim grants worth 80% of their average monthly profits up to £2,500 a month. The support can be backdated to March, but money will not be paid out until June. We’ve found the Martin Lewis video – linked below to be a useful overview of the support available and how to manage your cash flow until these payments are received.
HMRC will be administering the scheme and contact you with information on how to apply, and we will update you with guidance as we get it.
Read the Chancellor’s statement in full.
Watch Martin Lewis’s summary here.
Mental health organisations
Mind – provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. they campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Read more.
Anxiety UK – works to relieve and support those living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy. Read more
Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
The Production Guild have put together a list of charities and organisations which can be found in their mental health resource here.
If you’re currently self isolating, or about to, here is some helpful advice recorded by the BBC.
Source: www.productionguild.com
For more industry information, visit our news page.