New Horizons or Same Old Roadblocks? Labour’s 100 Days: A Promising Start But Brexit Shadow Looms
Image: Prime minister Keir Starmer hosts a garden reception with Olympic and Paralympic stars following the 2024 Paris games. 10 Downing Street. Credit: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street
As Keir Starmer's Labour Government celebrates its first 100 days in office later this week, there is reason for the UK’s creative industries to be cautiously optimistic. From the introduction of the landmark Employment Rights Bill to the promise of, what we deem, a “Creative Renaissance," new government is making bold moves to support sectors long neglected. For creatives and fashion professionals, the early signs are promising—but challenges still remain, particularly around Brexit’s unresolved impact.
A New Deal for Creative Workers
The Employment Rights Bill marks a major shift in protecting workers across the board. With day-one rights for sick pay, maternity leave, and unfair dismissal protections, the legislation is a game-changer for the creative sector, where many often juggle precarious freelance or part-time roles. Fashion professionals, who frequently work under insecure contracts, now have a framework that promises more stability. This is especially relevant for young designers, retail workers, and those navigating zero-hours contracts.
Trade unions have welcomed these reforms, noting that Labour’s legislation will “balance the scales” between workers and employers. The Bill’s support for freelancers—such as increased protections against late payments—could bring much-needed relief to independent creatives who often bear the brunt of exploitative practices in the gig economy.
Fashion’s Mixed Response
For the fashion industry, Labour has signalled an understanding of the unique needs of a sector worth over £35 billion to the UK economy. Commitments to business rates reform and tackling empty high streets show that Labour recognises the urgent need to revitalise physical retail spaces. Yet, there are key concerns left unaddressed. Calls to restore the VAT Retail Export Scheme, which allowed for tax-free shopping for international tourists, remain unanswered. The abolition of this scheme has driven luxury shoppers to Paris and Milan, and without a reversal, UK retailers will continue to lose out.
Ambition vs. Reality: Where Do We Go From Here?
Labour’s manifesto for the creative industries is ambitious, with plans to put culture and fashion at the heart of Britain’s economic renewal. Initiatives like the “Space to Create” programme—designed to safeguard creative spaces—and the reintroduction of arts education in schools show an intent to rebuild from the ground up. But the sector needs more clarity on long-term support for skills training, international mobility, and investment in new talent pipelines.
The elephant in the room is, of course, Brexit. Despite a change in government, the creative industries are still grappling with the fallout of restricted movement and supply chain disruptions. Fashion professionals need better access to EU markets for talent and trade, and while Labour talks of mending UK-EU relations, specific policies to ease the burden on creative businesses have yet to materialise.
Fashion Roundtable’s Vision for the Next 100 Days
At Fashion Roundtable, we welcome Labour’s focus on workers’ rights and commitment to revitalising the creative economy. However, for the government’s “Creative Renaissance”, as we deem it, to truly succeed, we need clearer action on post-Brexit challenges. We urge Labour to prioritise policies that facilitate restriction-free movement for talent between the UK and EU, reinstate the VAT Retail Export Scheme, and support the onshoring of manufacturing to strengthen local supply chains. Our industry needs policies that allow us to not just survive but to thrive on the global stage.
Moreover, we call for the rejoining of the Erasmus+ programme to enhance educational exchange and more inclusive training initiatives for creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. By aligning Labour’s ambitions with actionable steps, we can help make the UK a true creative powerhouse once again.
Looking Forward: Beyond the First 100 Days
Labour has made a promising start, but the next steps are crucial. To truly support Britain’s creative industries, the government must engage with stakeholders and translate rhetoric into reality. Fashion, music, theatre—every corner of the creative economy is watching closely, waiting to see if Labour can deliver on its promises.
The message to Labour is clear: there’s no room for complacency. If the government is serious about making Britain a cultural powerhouse, it must confront the post-Brexit landscape head-on and address lingering concerns around trade, talent mobility, and support for creative businesses.
There’s momentum, but the real journey is just beginning. Let’s ensure this creative renaissance reaches its full potential.