THE creative arts and entertainment industry has shrunk by 15 per cent since Labour took power, analysis by the Equity union has found.

Official GDP data shows an average reduction of 3.7 per cent a month in business activity over the four-month period, with the industry shrinking by a painful 4.6 per cent in October, it said.

This is the first time these sectors have seen four consecutive months of decline since the pandemic, the union added, calling on the government to commit to investing the European average of 0.5 per cent of GDP into in the arts, entertainment and culture.

Equity general secretary Paul Fleming said: “The rapid and significant shrinking of the arts and entertainment industries since Labour took office is alarming.

“Government must take urgent action to understand and address this fall happening on their watch [and] set out a roadmap to reach the European average of investing 0.5 per cent of GDP in the arts.

“But Equity will not be waiting for government — our claims for better pay, conditions and investment for our members will deliver the improvements creative workers need.

“Investment in arts jobs and infrastructure, which focuses on the significant economic benefits that UK film, TV, live performance and productions bring to the whole country, will pay dividends.”

Mr Fleming said that across Britain there were mixed responses, with Holyrood making a welcome Budget investment, but Wales not reversing significant arts cuts.

“With creative industries rightly identified as ‘growth driving’ sectors by the government, that’s just not good enough,” he said.

He urged the government to boost Britain’s creative industries as AI poses an increasing threat to its jobs.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport was contacted for comment.