Equity UK Information

Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. As a leading industry organisation, Equity is known and respected nationally and internationally for the work we do with, and on behalf of, our members working across all areas of the entertainment industry. Equity members form a cultural community that is of major importance to the UK in artistic, social and economic terms and Equity works to support them by negotiating their terms and conditions including fee structures with all kinds of employers and employer’s groups. We are a campaigning and organising union and proud of our strong record of taking the things that matter to our members to parliament and other centres of influence. Being part of Equity gives members a voice in these places. Members are at the heart of all the union’s activities and by getting involved they drive forward the work of the union. Set up in 1930 by a group of artists Equity has, over the decades, had many landmark moments which have made the industry a better place for our members to work. We have brought about fair payments and fees for artists; health and safety regulation; an outstanding royalties and residuals structure; members' pension and insurance schemes; supported individuals and groups of members; taken a stand on their behalf and made a difference in countless ways. In 1967 Equity incorporated the Variety Artistes' Federation.