Money directly influences the sustainability of our careers and our ability to have a healthy work-life balance. We know that women workers suffer disproportionately from low pay and pay discrimination. On this page you’ll find your rights and resources where money is concerned.
The Access to Work (AtW) scheme is a government funded employment support scheme that aims to help D/deaf and disabled workers to obtain work and stay in work. Get more information here on the programme, or advice on making a claim, here.
Many Equity members have successfully obtained AtW to obtain work across the entertainment industry. For Equity members AtW has funded activity like:
- Accessible accommodation.
- The difference in cost between the Equity digs rate and a hotel room.
- BSL Interpreters.
- Personal assistants
- Transport e.g. taxis
Guidance on the detail of AtW and how to make an application is available here:
Equity members have also faced obstacles in accessing AtW funding. There is a valuable guide on the kinds of problems posed to creative workers and AtW which has been published by Disability Arts Online.
If you are an Equity member and have concerns in making an application for AtW, or have been turned down, and would like to speak to a member of staff in Equity’s Tax and Welfare Service please use the following contact details:
Call 0207 670 0223 or email helpline@equity.org.uk]
The Equity agreements set the terms of our work and underpin all contracts. Read more about the agreements here. If you have questions about a contract or agreement, contact Equity on 020 7379 6000.
Rates and agreements
You have access to all the agreements and rates information Equity has negotiated. You can search here by category.
Non-Equity Contracts
You may not always be working on an Equity contract, but you can always contact Equity for advice.
Non-Equity Contract Checklist
If you are considering or are currently working on a non-Equity agreement, here’s a checklist of things to look for.
Making Your Own Contract
Equity have created a guide to writing your own contracts for work. This is especially common in the variety sector and for one-off gigs, and having a contract signed by yourself and your engager helps ensure your working conditions are outlined and your rights are protected.
There is a long-standing concern about the unequal pay received by women. Women workers, whether employees or self-employed, have the right to equal pay for equal work.
If you suspect you are not receiving equal pay, contact Equity on 020 7379 6000 or via your official
Click here for more information on what constitutes equal pay for equal work.
And find out more about your protections under the Equality Act on Equity's Right to Equal Treatment page.
Below are some resources for applying for arts grants or other funding:
Arts Council Funding
Arts Council England
Grants for organisations, artists, events, and initiatives through Arts Council England.
Equity Bursary Scheme for Young Members
Equity awards two annual bursaries of £500 to students and young members. Students are proposed by their tutors.
Government Business Support Resources
Your business can get advice and financial help from government-backed schemes. Enter your details and select the type of support you need.
You are almost always entitled to holiday pay. Read more about your rights here.
If in doubt, check if you’re entitled here.
If you are not being paid the Holiday Pay you are entitled to contact Equity now.
Find out the industry discounts you receive as an Equity member here.
You should be paid within 30 days, and your agent has to pay you within 10 days of receiving funds.
If you have not been paid on time for work, call Equity on 020 7379 6000 or contact your Equity official directly.
It is against the law for you to be employed for less than the minimum wage. You can report inappropriate pay via Equity's Report Bad Practice tool on this website or contacting your Equity official directly, who can also give you advice on negotiating with an employer.
Equity also has several template agreements for you when you’re working on low-budget contracts, so you can make sure you’re being paid (or are paying others) appropriately.
Professionally Made, Professionally Paid Campaign
Check out Equity’s campaign for appropriate payment for all work
Equity Insurance Guide
- Click here for everything you need to know about Equity’s insurance benefits, and how to get supplemental coverage.
Your Public Liability Insurance Certificate
- Your Equity membership gives you Public Liability Insurance Cover. Log in to download your insurance certificate.
Get Equity support when money impacts on mental health.
When you sign up to the Equity Pension Scheme, your employer on certain Equity contracts will also contribute to your pension. The scheme is available to all members and is free to join. Find out more and join here.
Access your agreements here. If you have questions about the rate you’re working on, contact Equity at 020 7379 6000.
Get information on Equity’s Distribution Service here
The tax and welfare situation for freelancers in our industry is complex, but you may be entitled to support.
Read Equity’s guidance here.
Or contact Equity's Tax and Welfare support team on:
Phone: 020 7670 0223
Email: helpline@equity.org.uk
There are three kinds of employment status - employee, worker and self-employed. At work employees have greater legal rights. Those classed as workers and the self-employed have rights too and it's important to be aware of these:
Further guidance
- Check your employment rights on the ACAS website
- Check whether you have self-employed status on gov.uk
- Setting up as self-employed
- FEU workshops and training on financial issues
If you have questions about your rights, and concerns about whether these have been breached, call 020 7379 6000 or contact your sector Official.
If you are a sole trader with high turnover, or decide to set up a limited company, you may need to register for VAT as part of your company operations. Find out more here.
Additional Resources
Actors Benevolent Fund - The Actors Benevolent Fund offers financial support to members in need
Actors Children's Trust - Charity for those in the industry with children
Actors Children's Trust - Charity for those in the industry with children
Equity Benevolent Fund - Get financial support or help paying Equity subscriptions
Equity Charitable Trust - A charity offering support to those in financial crisis
THEATRESUPPORT.INFO - A list of theatrical charities
ArtsMinds - Mental health resources for money issues
Citizens Advice Bureau -Free advice and support on issues such as housing, benefits, money, debt, law and courts, immigration and work
Equal Pay Today - Equal pay campaign and research
FEU - Federation of Entertainment Unions’ resources on business and finance
FEU Training for creative freelancers
Pay On Time - A resource of information to support businesses getting paid on time
Self-employment - Government guidelines on self-employment and sole trading
WASPI - Women Against State Pension Inequality fights for women born in the 1950s who are affected by the changes to the State Pension Age