Equity
@equityuk
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
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
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!
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
"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. ❤️
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
Hot take: With temperatures set to break records (AGAIN) this week, use our heat mitigation checklist to keep yourself safe at work on stage or on set. www.equity.org.uk/campaigns-policy/too-hot-to-work
Applications to our Student and Young Member Bursaries Scheme are now open! Bursaries of £500 each are awarded to 2 Equity Student Members and 2 Equity members aged 18-30. Apply by 30 June: www.equity.org.uk/get-involved/equity-for-students-and-graduates/student-member-and-young-member-bursaries
Feeling the heat? 🌡️ Check out Equity's guidance for working in theatres, studios and outdoor performance spaces as the temperature soars this week. Not affected but know someone who might be? Share this and help us keep everyone safe. Go to: tinyurl.com/too-hot-to-work
1 week left to vote! Post your ballot now to ensure it arrives before 1 July. Vote to elect: ☑️Equity Council ☑️Conference Business Committee ☑️Appeals Committee Your ballot should have arrived by post. If you haven’t received a ballot, contact elections@equity.org.uk
We're aware of casting scams, where nude self-tapes are requested, by those impersonating Take 3 Agency, Mass Talent Agency, Warner Bros and La Mer. Check carefully & verify the email domain when anyone gets in touch directly about a casting. Never agree to self-tapes or auditions involving nudity
Have you read the latest issue of the Equity magazine? This issue is dedicated to the union’s ‘variety’ members. As well as receiving the print issue of the magazine in the post, you can also read it online or listen to the audio version at: https://www.equity.org.uk/about-us/equity-magazine
Have your say in your union’s future: Vote now in Equity’s Council elections! 🗳️ You need to vote by post before 1 July. Your ballot should have arrived with your Equity magazine. If you haven’t received a ballot, contact elections@equity.org.uk
Freelance Dance Artist in the Midlands? This one's for you! Join the conversation with Equity's Dance Committee & guest speaker Avatara Ayuso on how our collective can improve dance artists’ working lives 📅 18 June 4.30pm 📍 Equity Birmingham B5 5SL 🎟️ RSVP via email: imanborde@equity.org.uk
West End ballot: Voting closes at 11.59pm TONIGHT 18 May. If you work in the West End, or have in the past three years, check your inbox for an Equity email and VOTE YES to back our claim for better pay and conditions. Images show casts and stage management at: Titanique, Wicked, Romeo & Juliet
Haven't voted in our West End ballot yet? You might be hearing from us this afternoon! With only a few days left until voting closes, our teams have been hard at work reminding eligible members (who've worked in the West End in the last 3 years) to have their say.
Pay up in the West End! Casts and stage management on West End shows are demanding better pay & work-life balance If you work in the West End, or have in the past 3 years, check your inbox for an email from Equity and VOTE YES to back our position. Images: Hamilton, High Society & Avenue Q
Equity stands with @bectu.bsky.social 's behind-the-scenes film and TV workers and we're asking you to do the same! Bectu's Broken Turnaround survey has revealed widespread breaches of basic rest periods, and a culture that is putting workers at risk. Sign the petition here: tinyurl.com/mpnttnda