Call for vital information to help steer Creative Media Industries through economic storm
8 June 2009
Tens of thousands of companies are being asked to take part in an industry-wide Census to make sure that the Creative Media Industries have the information they need to survive and thrive in this difficult economic climate.
Skillset, the industry body supporting skills, education and training for the UK's Creative Media Industries, is carrying out the most comprehensive research that exists about the size and shape of the sector.
The Employment Census of the Creative Media Industries 2009 will include in-depth information about employees and freelancers working in film, television, radio, facilities, animation, computer games, interactive media, commercials production, corporate production, pop promos and archives and libraries.
Employers are being urged to fill in a form on Census day - Wednesday 1 July - or as close as possible to that date. Forms will be available to download or for posting out on June 22 at www.skillset.org/census or by calling 020 7713 9886.
Skillset's Research Director Catherine Godward said: "The information we gather will provide us with the only full and accurate picture of employment in the creative media, which is why it is essential that employers across the board take part. We must fully understand the implications of the recession.
"The Census will also strengthen the case for leveraging public funds, so that our industry can compete and prosper to maintain its position as a world leader."
The Census has the support of several key organisations, including Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) and TIGA, the trade association representing games software developers in the UK and Europe.
For all media enquiries contact:
Jennifer Walters
e: jenniferw@skillset.org
t: 0207 713 9812
Notes to Editors
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.