Summary
A report on employment in the cultural sector suggests that discrimination against working-class people should be illegal. It shows many people in the arts face harassment and bias because of their social background. The report calls for socioeconomic background to be included as a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equalities Act.
Key Facts
- A new report says that bias against working-class people should be illegal in jobs related to arts and culture.
- Over 50% of survey respondents from Greater Manchester experienced harassment or bias due to their social background.
- The report suggests adding socioeconomic background as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
- Only 44% of surveyed artists earned enough money to live on, and many had to take on second jobs.
- Some in the report described being belittled for their accent, school, or clothing, reflecting class bias.
- The report notes that arts sector jobs often require personal connections and offer low starting pay.
- The review was supported by groups like the University of Manchester and the Co-op, with 300 people responding.
- Calls for change include treating class as a key inclusion issue to open up more opportunities in the arts.
