New report claims class bias should be illegal in culture industries
A new report has claimed that class bias should be made illegal against workers within the culture sector.
The Class Ceiling review surveyed a group of people mainly from the Greater Manchester area, with more than 50 per cent of respondents claiming they had experienced either harassment or discrimination due to their social background.
The report, which was backed by the University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Co-op, showed that class was still a “core inclusion issue” within the industry, according to one of its leaders.
Nazir Afzal, a former lead prosecutor who is now the chair of the Lowry arts venue in Salford, added that the current barriers in place to accessing the arts were “crushing creativity” (per BBC News).
The Class Ceiling review stated that the industry “remain[ed] unequal”, adding: “Entry routes still depend on who you know. Early roles still pay too little to live on. Progression still favours those who can absorb risk. Many people leave before their careers begin.”
This linked to one of the starkest statistics from the report, where only 44 per cent of respondents reported earning enough money to make a living, with many subsequently having to take on second routes of employment.
In light of the review, Afzal, along with the TUC Union and the Co-op, have joined calls to make class the tenth protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010, hence making discrimination against this illegal.
It comes as an increasing number of British working-class voices have been highlighted within the culture industry in recent months, with Sam Fender using his speech when winning the Mercury Prize in October to highlight class bias.
In addition, the young Adolescence star Owen Cooper, who comes from a working-class family, used his winning speeches at both the Emmys and the Golden Globes to emphasise his humble beginnings.
At the latter, he said: “Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family has been put through,” before adding, “We are forever grateful for what these people have done for me and my family.”
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