The Critics’ Circle, the body of 500 professional UK critics founded in 1913, welcomes the news that the government will not proceed with hikes in national insurance contributions for the self-employed. With full-time jobs for critics at an all-time low, the vast majority of our members are freelance and therefore self-employed. We have no sick pay, no benefits, no job security and work increasingly long hours. However, a greater obstacle is looming in plans for the self-employed to file four tax returns a year. This administrative burden, coupled with accountancy fees, poses a threat to the careers of many critics across books, dance, drama, film, music, visual arts and architecture. The arts, and all who love them, can only suffer as a result. We urge the government to reconsider and ask your readers to oppose these measures in the strongest terms by writing to their MP.
Anna Smith
President, The Critics’ Circle
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