Literature Alliance Scotland to research impact of freelances on creative sector

Literature Alliance Scotland (LAS) is investigating the social and economic impact Scottish freelances have on the literature, languages and publishing sector, as it aims to ensure the workforce is "paid fairly and appropriately".

The research project aims to bridge a gap in understanding freelances’ work, in particular addressing their survival during the Covid-19 pandemic period and fair working practices, in addition to the challenges and barriers they face day to day. 

As part of the independent impact study, freelancers and temporary workers who work within the specific sectors in Scotland are invited to participate in a survey.

The resulting information will be shared widely with those who commission freelances such as publishers, festivals, literature and languages organisations, and industry stakeholders including Creative Scotland, Scottish Government, policy-makers and universities. 

A subsequent report will share findings and include good practice recommendations on how to provide better support and more accessible and inclusive opportunities for freelances.

The survey opens today (Tuesday 10th May) and closes at midnight on Sunday 5th June. Survey respondents can enter a prize draw to win £50 in National Book Tokens, as well as register to be interviewed in more detail, with a view to creating 10 case studies highlighting varied experiences of working in the sector. The case study participants will each receive a £50 voucher of their choice.

Jenny Niven, chair of LAS, said: “Freelancers across the arts are facing hugely challenging times. Through this work we want to shine the spotlight specifically on those who work in the literature, languages and publishing sector to understand directly from them about their experiences of working practices, payment, professional development and Covid challenges. We’re also seeking to learn what good support, networks and opportunities look like for this freelance workforce. 

“We’ve worked hard to make this survey as inclusive as possible to reflect the multiple unsalaried and non-permanent roles that freelances hold across a mix of art forms to make a living. We want to hear from anyone who works as a freelancer or temporary worker in this sector – from agents and all types of writers, editors, educators and event organisers, programmers and publishers, illustrators, comic creators, storytellers, translators, typesetters and more.

“The more freelancers who share their views by completing the survey, the more accurately we can advocate for the needs of this vital workforce to help organisations enact positive change by offering better support and more opportunities as we slowly move through the pandemic recovery, the increased cost of living and beyond. 

“So, we’re asking freelances to please engage with Literature Alliance Scotland and the survey we’re launching today so we can better understand: What challenges are specific to those working within this area of the arts, what are those shared across all freelance working, and how can we address them?” 

Alan Bett, head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, added: “This important research is extremely welcome as part of wide-ranging work across Scotland’s culture sector to ensure that artists and professionals working in the creative community are paid fairly and appropriately for their time and effort.

“LAS’ focus on literature and publishing will highlight the needs of this specific workforce and inform how we, as a sector, can work together to implement fair work principles. The broader and more diverse the responses, the more valuable this survey will be.”