No more Creative Standards - Cement Fair Work in the Art of Scotland
We are calling on all political parties to put Fair Work in the creative industries at the heart of their election campaigns.
What does this mean in practice? Following the work carried out by the STUC and Trade Unions within Scotland’s Culture Sector, the Scottish Government commissioned two Independent reports into Creative Scotland and Fair Work within Scotland’s cultural and creative industries.
These reports proposed a combined total of 52 recommendations to improve the conditions of the estimated 90,000 workers across Scotland.
None of the 52 recommendations were enacted before the Scottish Parliament session ended for the 2026 elections.
We need all political parties to pledge the immediate adaption and implementation of the recommendations as soon as possible following the election period.
Sign our PETITION to party leaders today:
Why is this important?
Scotland stands at a crossroads. Our creative industries contribute over £5 billion to our economy and are the heartbeat of our national identity, yet the workers behind this success are being pushed to a breaking point. Following the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, we call on the next Scottish Government to move beyond “slogans” and immediately implement the 16 recommendations of the Culture Fair Work Taskforce and the findings of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland
The implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review of Creative Scotland (November 2025) and the Culture Fair Work Taskforce Report (December 2025) represent a defining moment for Scotland’s cultural identity and economic resilience.
The Creative Industries are crucially important to Scotland’s economy and wellbeing, the reports make clear that Scotland’s creative industries must change if we are to protect and enhance the lives and livelihoods of the workers within them.
We cannot claim to value “Scottish Culture” while the people who create it lack sick pay, maternity leave, and financial security. We call on all parties contesting the 2026 election to commit to the full, funded implementation of these reports in the first 100 days of the new Parliament
No More Creative Standards - Pledge Your Support
Are you standing for election to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026? The STUC invites you to pledge your support for the implementation of the 52 recommendations to the Scottish Government that will further embed Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries.
Pledge your support here: No more Creative Standards - Pledge your support for Fair Work in the Creative Industries – Fill in form
Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist
A checklist for freelancers and employers to ensure Fair Work guidance is being met, aimed at combatting the often precarious and insecure nature of freelance and creative work.
Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist
Freelance and Forgotten: A Report on Worker Exploitation in Scotland’s Creative Industries
In early 2025 we surveyed Trade Union members who work within the creative industries with a view of ensuring that workers voices are front and centre of any discussion around Fair Work. This report gives voice to their experience – and highlights some shocking working practices.
