The UK is estimated to have lost £208 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and 2,490 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs between 2022 and 2024 due to Brexit-related barriers, according to new data published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Reduced touring by UK musicians after Brexit is estimated to have resulted in losses of approximately £1.04 billion in GVA and 17,010 FTE jobs across the included EU host countries, figures published on 27 August show.
Research commissioned by DCMS and authored by Ipsos and Nordicity estimates, for the first time, the impact of new regulatory, administrative and economic barriers on the scale and value of touring.
It shows smaller and mid-scale touring activity is “disproportionately affected”, particularly performances at general live music venues.
Stakeholders also reported that immigration, customs, transport, taxation and social security requirements interact “cumulatively”, which in turn increases costs, complexity and operational uncertainty for touring activity.
The report continues: “Between 2022 and 2024, the UK’s exit from the EU is estimated to have reduced the contribution of UK live music touring, orchestra, theatre, dance, and visual arts organisations to the UK economy.
“This decline in economic value is estimated to directly account for over 920 full-time equivalent jobs and £95.6m in direct GVA. Including indirect and induced impacts, the total impact reaches 2,490 FTEs and £208m.”
The decline in live music performances is associated with an economic loss of an estimated £180.2m, including indirect and induced impact over the same years, largely driven by “the impact on musicians performing at smaller general live music venues”.
The same figures for orchestra, theatre, dance and visual arts show a £27.8m loss and 440 FTEs. Orchestras saw the largest declines in international touring.
The research states: “The evidence also suggests that reducing current touring barriers, through policy or regulatory changes, could generate a range of economic and cultural gains for both sides.”
The impacts in detail
Emerging artists “in particular” face reduced opportunities to build audiences, with tours no longer financially viable for a “considerable proportion of artists”.
The report says: “Many professionals who previously worked in the EU are experiencing reduced booking opportunities and lower income.
“Average touring costs have risen markedly, while demand for UK-based performers and crews has fallen, with the steepest effects on lower earning and emerging artists.”
Tours are shown to have become “shorter, more segmented, or regionally-focused where existing fan bases are more established” and in some cases, work previously undertaken by UK hauliers or production houses has moved to EU-based hubs.
The effect of the Brexit red tape has resulted in “increased stress and burnout amongst administrative staff, managers and crews” which was linked to “prolonged uncertainty, additional travel on rest days to remain compliant, and anxiety around visas and border processes”.
It warns: “The full long-term impacts of post-EU exit touring arrangements may continue to emerge over time.”
Manifesto promise to ‘sort this mess out’
The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), which is a campaigning and research body on the impact of Brexit, has welcomed the new research.
Chief executive Deborah Annetts said: “This research should be game changing. In the music industry we have known for a long time of the devastating impact Brexit has had on the ability of our touring musicians and wider industries to work and to earn in Europe.
“For the good of our touring industries, the UK economy and national growth, we need departments across Government to work together to deliver on the 2024 manifesto promise and sort this mess out. The ISM stands ready to help in any way we can.”
Chief strategy, communications and public affairs officer at PRS for Music John Mottram said: “Behind these figures are real people – songwriters and composers who are being held back by costly red tape, missing out on chances to connect with new audiences, progress their careers and earn a living from performances across Europe.
“We now call on the UK government to redouble its efforts and deliver on its manifesto commitment to make it easier for UK artists to tour in the EU. This would help creators earn a living, bring real value back into the economy and create thousands of jobs across the touring industry.”
In June, the government was urged to work with the EU and individual member states to support artists looking to perform in Europe by the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee.
At the time, CMS Committee chair Caroline Dinenage said it is “not about renegotiating Brexit” but about “addressing the issues that weren’t covered off in the first place and finding new ways to support our touring artists”.
Creative Industries minister Ian Murray previously pledged the government’s “full commitment” to tearing down the barriers to EU touring.
