LRD guides and handbook August 2014

Casualisation at work - a guide for trade union reps

Chapter 6

Theatre

[ch 6: page 44]

The UK theatre industry has always used a high level of casual workers due to the varying demands of different theatrical productions. Broadcasting and entertainment industry union BECTU has negotiated a collective agreement with the UK Theatre Association, which includes a category of worker called “Regularly Employed Performance Staff”. To qualify, an individual must work in any capacity (mainly casual) for 19 out of 26 weeks, or for 38 out of 52 weeks, whereupon they become entitled to the same benefits as permanent staff.