Balancing act : PiPA's survey into the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in the performing arts

The United Kingdom’s performing arts sector is vibrant, inventive and a major contributor not only to the UK economy and the cultural landscape but also to national identity. Over the past decade huge strides have been taken to make the arts more accessible to all and to attract diverse audiences. As working practices in the UK evolve at a rapid pace, so too do the requirements of our workforce on whom we depend to deliver world class work. The Balancing Act Survey findings identify that parents and carers pay a significant penalty in terms of well-being and remuneration in order to maintain a career in the performing arts whilst fulfilling caring responsibilities. Moreover, low pay, insecurity and anti-social hours means that the sector is losing talent which could threaten its resilience.