www.equity.org.uk WINTER 2018 I’VE SEEN WHAT AN IMPACT THE UNION CAN MAKE Jonathan Humphreys on the new deal for directors Scheme launched to support carers New five-day rehearsal claim for theatre Equity at Fashion Week TUC CONGRESS MEET NATIONAL REPORT CRAZY M INSURANCE WIN INSURANCE? EQUITY MAGAZINE WINTER 2018 IN THIS ISSUE 18 4 NEWS Class 2 National Insurance victory, new Exclusive Professional Property Cover for theatre agreement proposed and Equity members Remembrance Sunday 7 UPFRONT UK/Europe or Worldwide Christine Payne, General Secretary cameras and ancillary equipment, PA, sound ,lighting, and mechanical effects equipment, portable computer 8 MEET THE MEMBERSHIP equipment, rigging equipment, tools, props, sets and costumes, musical instruments, make up and prosthetics. Crazy M: 23 years as a children’s entertainer, inspired by Robin Williams and Tommy Cooper GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE AT FIRSTACTINSURANCE.CO.UK 10 SUCCESS STORIES 20 Supporting carers, a student symposium and Tel 020 8686 5050 the launch of the Circus Network First Act Insurance* is the preferred insurance intermediary to 14 JONATHAN HUMPHREYS *First Act Insurance is a trading name of Hencilla Canworth Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 226263 How the director has helped negotiate the new directors’ deal 8 18 SCREENSKILLS First Act Insurance presents... Seetha Kumar on why Creative Skillset has changed and how it can help the industry 20 TUC 150 14 11 Equity took a prominent role as the Trade Union Congress celebrated its 150th anniversary 24 PRESIDENT MAUREEN BEATTIE Inclusivity, gender equality and the curse of the patriarchy 26 CAMPAIGNS Bath arts cuts and off stage diversity 28 HAVE YOUR SAY Video games, list making and other stress- Key features include busting tips • Competitive online quote and buy cover provided by HISCOX. • Annual or short period cover available. 30 YOUR EQUITY Member offers Equity staff profile: Mike Day, London Tel 020 8686 5050 VISIT SHOWTIMEINSURANCE.CO.UK Variety Organiser Branch notes Explore the South East region Where and when you need it! 26 First Act Insurance* is the preferred insurance intermediary to *First Act Insurance is a trading name of Hencilla Canworth Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 226263 2 equity WINTER 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk WINTER 2018 equity 3 FRONT OF HOUSE IN BRIEF REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY EQUITY WILL BE represented Referendum at this year’s Remembrance There are three rule changes that need to Sunday parade at the be put to a referendum. The first proposed Cenotaph on Sunday 11 change deals with Equity’s objects, powers November, which this year and duties, which if approved will have marks the 100th anniversary the effect of updating the rules in relation of the end of World War I. to harassment and discrimination to Many Equity members have recognise the protected characteristics worked entertaining troops included within equality law; and to include in conflict zones or overseas Union makes it references to bullying and victimisation. military bases as part of ENSA The second proposed change if passed (Entertainments National Service Association) or later CSE (Combined to the top table would insert the qualification of being Services Entertainment) and their work is recognised by their presence on “in benefit” to apply to a member voting the parade. Leading the Equity contingent is Susan Paule and others in the of the TUC in the election of the Equity General photo are Susannah Levene, Josette Lesser, Claire Lutter, Louise Gummer, Secretary. The third proposed change Taryn Kay and Carrie-Louise Knight. clarifies the wording of the different types of majority, which are used to make decisions, in Equity’s Rules. The Council is EQUITY WINS NI urging members to vote “Yes” to all three UNHAPPY AT WORK? THEN #TELL questions in this referendum. Your ballot paper is enclosed with this magazine, but EQUITY VIA NEW REPORTING CHANNEL CLASS 2 BATTLE you might find it quicker and easier to EQUITY HAS LAUNCHED a new reporting email and Twitter Hashtag for Proposed system would have greatly increased vote online — go to www.equity.org.uk for members with concerns about a job, casting or agent. If you have been contributions for many members details. Make sure you vote by the close of mistreated at work, been asked inappropriate questions at an audition, poll at noon on 30 November 2018. seen an advert for a job that breaches equality or minimum wage FOLLOWING THE UNION lobbying for more request for assistance in making the EQUITY HAS BECOME a member laws or want to bring anything else to our attention then email us than two years, Equity is delighted that the arguments to government was substantial of the Trades Union Congress at [email protected] or connect on our social media channels government has announced that it will not be and impressive. We sent out a briefing to (TUC) Executive Committee. Timetable for the 2019 with #TellEquity. proceeding with the abolition of Class 2 members in early 2016 with a template letter This is the ‘top table’ of the committee elections National Insurance. they could use to lobby the government trade union movement and it The elections for the national, industrial, Currently, self-employed workers earning directly. They did so in very large numbers meets monthly to implement specialist and equality committees will below £6,025 per year (the Small Profits and their input was commented on by civil and develop policy, manage take place in 2019. Nomination papers GET INVOLVED IN GAMES ACTIVISM Threshold) can pay voluntary National servants, leading to the highlighting of the the TUC financial affairs and will be included with the Spring edition Equity is continuing to make waves in the games industry and has been in Insurance contributions of £2.85 per week. impact of the proposals on entertainment deal with urgent business. This of the Equity magazine and the online discussions with key players including UKIE, the trade body for the games This makes them eligible for vital contributory sector workers. news follows a strong showing nominations site will go live on Monday and interactive entertainment industry, and creative audio studio SIDE. benefits, such as the State Retirement Alan Lean, Equity’s tax and welfare rights by the union at the recent TUC 11 February 2019. Nominations close The union is looking to improve conditions for stunts people, voiceover Pension and Employment Allowance officer, said: “This is excellent news for Equity Congress in Manchester, where at 12 noon, Friday 10 May 2019. Ballot artists and motion capture artists by establishing Equity contracts that Support. Plans to scrap the Class 2 National members and reflects the government’s the TUC was celebrating its papers, election statements and reply- guarantee good terms such as a minimum rate of pay. Insurance Contributions (NICs) would have concern on the impact their proposals would 150th anniversary. Equity paid envelopes are posted to members The union’s aim is to deliver a collective agreement for performers seen the lowest earners forced to pay Class 3 have had on the low paid self-employed. President Maureen Beattie put on Wednesday 5 June 2019 and online working in games to be used across the industry, safeguarding our NICs – amounting to £14.25 per week – if they Equity gave detailed evidence on this, both in the first motion to the Congress voting opens. The Ballot closes at members at work and covering matters such as health and safety, dignity at wished to retain those benefits. its original consultation response and in on Fighting Sexual Harassment 12 noon, Friday 12 July 2019. work, clarity on what the project is, hours of work, breaks and more. Since December 2015, when the proposals subsequent meetings with Treasury officials. in the Creative Industries. “When We also intend to hold an event in the near future to discuss this ongoing were made, Equity argued against the We are particularly pleased that members on the media spotlight moves on, Equity offices closed work with Equity members and big names in the games industry. If you abolition of Class 2 National Insurance as it is low profits will no longer face a 500% increase Equity will still be there,” she on 25 October want to get involved, share your experience in the games industry, or let us a low cost way of members being able to in the cost of making voluntary National said. Read the report from the A day of staff training will take place on know your thoughts, email [email protected] ensure pension and other benefit Insurance payments which would have been TUC Congress on page 20. Thursday, 25 October. All regional and entitlement. Members’ response to Equity’s the case had these proposals gone ahead.” Rawpixel/Unsplash national offices will be closed but Equity’s Guild House office reception in London will remain open and calls will be answered via the main switchboard: 020 7379 6000 4 equity WINTER 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk WINTER 2018 equity 5 FRONT OF HOUSE UPFRONT A voice for creative workers Whether it is through our new role on the TUC’ s Executive Committee, discussing our red lines on Brexit EQUITY’S BOLD NEW THEATRE CLAIM INCLUDES or negotiating a new agreement for directors, we always fight for the best deal for our members DEMAND FOR A FIVE-DAY WEEK IN REHEARSALS EQUITY HAS PROPOSED a brand new agreement to cover more holiday – or pay in lieu if it can’t be given. Reducing working most of the major subsidised and commercial producers in hours, and consequently the potential overtime if they are exceeded, of movement, as well as articulating designers.