Mags Patten

ALT We are deeply concerned by the persistent racist violence occurring across the country. We stand in solidarity with those impacted by the abhorrent attacks targeting Global Majority groups. Our freelance community is diverse and some are being placed in positions where they feel unsafe and targeted. The scenes on the streets of the UK are racist and Islamophobic. The theatre community has a responsibility to acknowledge it as such.

ALT We encourage companies and organisations to check in with their freelancers during this turbulent time. Do your freelancers have an emergency contact number? Do they have safe and reliable transportation home? What are your contingency plans for upcoming performances, particularly in light of the planned EDL actions on Wednesday evening and Saturday, which may impact matinees?

ALT If you are a freelancer feeling unsafe, please seek support and guidance from your employer and make sure you have up to date contact information. Yesterday, FMTW reached out to organisations, venues, and employers, urging them to extend the same duty of care and support to their freelancers, both past and present, as they do to their salaried staff. Additionally, we are engaging with SOLT and UK Theatre to provide insights on adapting their ‘Public Disorder guidance’ to be more applicable and beneficial for freelancers.