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Festivals and Special Occasions: Conditions of Employment

Asked by Cameron ThomasIndependentDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 23 December 2025UIN 100246

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support UK festival organisers with the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill, in the context of the workforce flexibility requirements of the sector.

Answered by Kate Dearden

Festivals are crucial to the UK's culture, providing a platform for emerging artists, supporting local economies and creative jobs, and bringing joy to thousands.

The impact on UK festivals will depend on the regulations that we will bring forward following consultation on the measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The government will ensure there is sufficient time for businesses to familiarise themselves with these new employment rights before they come into force, and we intend to provide clear guidance for employers and for workers in advance of implementation.

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