The Coronavirus pandemic has caused at least 5,000 jobs to be lost in the theatre industry.
Figures collated by the BECTU trade union shows that the number of layoffs and redundancies in the theatre industry have risen to 5,000.
It was only a month ago that the government announced their £1.57 billion support package, and since then figures have rised from 3,000 to 5,000.
Approximately half of these redundancies are said to have taken place in the West End and London, whereas other losses are based all over the country.
The govenment’s support package is now essential for those working in the industry, as it is estimated around 290,000 people are employed within the industry- with 70% working as freelance.
The Head of BECTU (Philippa Childs) has said: “The clock is still ticking to save the future of the theatre industry, and these figures demonstrate the scale of the crisis it is facing”.
It is more important than ever that workers within the industry receive the financial support they need, as it is still unclear as to when theatres can return as normal.
Words by Neve Gordon-Farleigh.
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