Equity has said it is “grossly unfair” that performers have been left unpaid, as the operators of Leicester Comedy Festival file for insolvency. www.equity.org.uk/news/2026/equity-responds-to-leicester-comedy-festival-operator-filing-for-insolvency
Equity
@equityuk.bsky.social
We are the UK performing arts and entertainment trade union, made up of 50,000 performers and creative practitioners. Together we push for better pay, terms and conditions in the workplace. www.equity.org.uk
"For too long [opera singers] have seen their pay stagnate, whilst being expected to show ever more flexibility." - Lottie Stables, Equity Singers & Dancers Official Today we submitted our claim to UK Theatre/SOLT on behalf of opera singers across the UK, calling for:
Following a 98% yes vote on a turn out of 75% in our ballot, a new three-year agreement with SOLT has been approved, securing meaningful improvements for performers and stage management across the West End. https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2026/equity-members-accept-new-three-year-west-end-agreement
Equity members accept new three-year West End Agreement
equity.org.uk
If you were waiting for a sign to vote in the West End ballot - this is it! There's only 24 hours left to make your voice heard. If you've worked in the West End in the last three years VOTE NOW.
Blue skies and Trans+ Pride 🏳️⚧️✨ Thank you to all our members who marched with us and 150,000 other people who took to the streets of Central London this weekend! Our support doesn't stop at the march. Join us online on 12 August to help shape the union’s response to the EHRC guidance ⬇️
"Up to 350 people could be owed money" We caught up with BBC Radio Leicester following the news that The Big Difference Company, have filed a serious incident report to the Charity Commission.
⏰ Your 1 week warning! Vote now before your chance to have your say on the future of your pay, terms and conditions in the West End runs out. If you're eligible, check your email for details and cast your vote before the deadline on 29 July (9am).
Our General Secretary Paul W Fleming has today called on Andy Burnham's new government to recognise the arts as a "critical economic sector". Read more in The Stage: tinyurl.com/y39cwuhf
Worked in the West End in the last three years? Check your emails and vote now to improve the terms of your next contract! Share this post and spread the word. Ballot closes 29 July.
We're only 6 weeks out from Manchester Village Pride 🏳️🌈 and we're renewing our call to Bev Craig – current leader of Manchester City Council and Labour’s candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester – to ensure performers who are owed money for last year’s Manchester Pride are paid for their work.
Our latest Honorary Life Member Daniel York Loh, Chair of Equity’s Race Equality Committee, on why trade unions are the best invention in the history of industry. “It’s about collective bravery and collective solidarity and that’s an incredible thing.”
Owed money by Leicester Comedy Festival? We've secured full payment for a number of members but believe there are those yet to get in touch. In light of the news that the festival's parent company are in financial difficulty, we urge members to get in touch ASAP with Ian at imanborde@equity.org.uk
Our response to the news that Oldham Coliseum won't now open until 2027. The historic venue has been shut for refurbishment since being saved from closure in 2024, following a community campaign that Equity was proud to be part of. Full story: tinyurl.com/OldhamC-2027
Disabled performers face significant barriers to the industry. Meanwhile non-disabled actors continue to be cast in disabled roles, denying jobs to disabled performers. Following a motion from our Deaf & Disabled Committee we have committed to advocate for the Disability Conscious Casting Framework.
See also: Lynda Rooke's recent re-election made her the longest serving female President in which trades union’s history? 💅
Vote YES for better pay and conditions in the West End ✅ Equity have now reached an agreement on pay and conditions in the West End 👉Eligible members will vote on whether to accept the offer in an online ballot that is now OPEN www.equity.org.uk/news/2026/equity-members-vote-on-west-end-pay-offer
Over 100,000 of us marched last year. This year, let's be even bigger and louder. 🏳️⚧️✨ Join Equity at London Trans+ Pride, 25 July — 1pm. RSVP: tinyurl.com/EquityTransPride26
Working with a voice agency 👉 What you need to know Whether you're considering signing with an agency or already working with one, find out how the process works and what to watch out for https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/sector-specific-advice/audio-info-hub/working-with-a-voice-agency
Working With a Voice Agency Guide | Equity
The Audio Committee has put together this guide to help members navigate voice agencies. Whether you're considering signing with an agency or already working with one, you'll find a clear overview of how the process works and what to watch out for.
equity.org.uk
Have you signed yet? Raise your voice for a government-owned, free software for Making Tax Digital at tinyurl.com/FreeMTD
Working in the heat this week? 🥵🌡️ Remember: your engager has a legal duty to assess the risks posed by unreasonably hot temperatures, whether you're working indoors or outdoors. If you have health & safety concerns not being addressed by your engager, contact Equity via equity.org.uk/contact-us.
Do you think the law around AI needs to change? Equity has been working closely with our sister unions in the BEAU All-Party Parliamentary Group to put AI regulation firmly on the Government's agenda. A huge thanks to Rachael Maskell MP for raising this important issue in commons last week!
Equity has elected its President, Council, Appeals Committee and Conference Business Committee for 2026-2028. Lynda Rooke has been re-elected to serve as Equity's President for a third term. www.equity.org.uk/news/2026/lynda-rooke-re-elected-as-president-and-council-and-key-committees-announced
Lynda Rooke re-elected as President and Council and key committees announced | Equity
equity.org.uk
We think the government should provide free software for Making Tax Digital. Do you agree? Sign the petition started by Equity member Joseph Hardy then share with your friends: tinyurl.com/FreeMTD
SOLIDARITY WITH COLOMBIAN TRADES UNIONISTS Following the election of a far-right candidate to the Colombian Presidency, Equity expresses solidarity with trades unionists across Colombia . https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2026/equity-solidarity-statement-with-colombian-trades-unionists
"If that was me, I wouldn't know what to say..." surprise, Trevor! This year, Trevor was awarded Honorary Life Membership. He served as the first-ever Councillor for the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside region, and has been a tireless Dep for members since joining in 1988. Congrats, Trevor. ❤️
AI FIRMS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE TRAINING DATA✍️SIGN THE PETITION https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765199 Creators need clear rules and regulations that ensure their work is used with consent, proper licensing and fair remuneration.
Petition: Protect creators' rights: require AI firms to disclose training data
We ask the Government to introduce a statutory duty requiring AI developers to disclose the copyrighted works used to train generative AI in enough detail for creators to identify use of their work, enforce their rights, negotiate licences and be fairly paid.
petition.parliament.uk
If you haven’t yet voted in the Equity elections, post your ballot now to make sure it arrives before the final deadline of 1 July. Don’t lose your voice – vote!
"Andy Burnham must deliver real joy for Britain" - Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming writes for @leftfootforwardonline on why "a Burnham government must change more than just vibes" Read it here https://tinyurl.com/53jhebaj
