Equity's Safe Home campaign calls on venues to safeguard performing artists who work at night or in vulnerable locations in Northern Ireland.
Performing artists such as cabaret artistes, comedians, stage management and singers can be vulnerable when working at entertainment venues, especially when working alone. Their work can include leaving venues late at night, parking and loading out in insecure locations with expensive and/or cumbersome equipment and a lack of personal security.
The campaign asks venue owners and managers to agree to the following principles:
- Artists will be accompanied to their ongoing transport by 2 members of staff, unless they request otherwise.
- Artists will be provided with reputable taxi firm numbers to arrange their transport.
- Payment for artists’ travel is made clear within their contract.
- If the venue has car parking, artists will be provided with a free car parking space on request.
The pledge from Belfast City Council to provide £10,000 in support of this campaign will mean the creation of an online video resource, hard copy Safe Home posters for Belfast venues outlining their commitment to the principles and a website listing of those who have signed up across the city, including additional advice for venues.
It is the principal duty of hirers and employers, under the HASWA (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974), to secure the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at their workplace.
Safe Home launched in 2023 at EquityFest, the union’s first Northern Ireland performing artist convention, taking place at the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush.
For more info contact Alice Adams Lemon, Equity’s Northern Ireland Official, alemon@equity.org.uk.
Safe Home CampaignOur members are often forgotten when venues are thinking about the security of the workforce. Individual artists can be left to fend for themselves once the venue doors have closed for the evening. We are delighted with this commitment from Belfast City Council and the support of the Lord Mayor in ensuring venue owners and managers are reminded of how important a role they play in making sure their valued artists are safe.
Alice Adams Lemon, Equity’s Northern Ireland Official.
Our council is pleased to provide this support to performers as part of our Music Matters roadmap to develop the city’s vibrant music sector and harness its full potential. We want to do all that we can to make a night out in the city as safe as possible, for both patrons and performers. This investment will provide practical training and resources to support local venues and enable them to play their part in keeping artists and production staff safe as they go about their work.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray.
