Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure freelance workers in the music industry receive the same protections from discrimination as employees.

The Government recognises the essential contribution freelancers make to the creative industries, including music.

Freelancers are already entitled to a number of legal rights at work, including protection against discrimination in the workplace, and the right to a safe working environment.

Everyone, including freelance workers, should be able to work without fear of harassment, discrimination or violence. The Government recognises that allegations of bullying, harassment and discrimination have been made in creative sub-sectors, including from freelancers. As outlined in our Creative Industries Sector Vision, the Government welcomes industry's progress on promoting fair treatment and addressing bullying, harassment and discrimination across the creative industries. This includes the work led by Creative UK, and the formation of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), established by the industry to address BHD and provide trusted support and advice, particularly tailored to meet the needs of freelancers.