By Nicholas Sheridan

They are launched as new statistics reveal that almost half of the Creative Media workforce (44 per cent) said they had carried out unpaid work to get into the industry, in accordance with Skillset (2008) Creative Media Workforce Survey (figures are for animation, computer games, facilities, film distribution, film exhibition, interactive media, pop promos, corporate production, commercials, radio and television).

The guidelines clearly set out the law and employment duties in the creative industries, where gaining entry is so often informal and open to a “who you know” culture.

Put together by Skillset in collaboration Creative & Cultural Skills and Arts Council England, the guidance aims to promote good practice and clarify the various entry routes into the creative industries.

It is the first time such guidelines have been drawn up for the creative and cultural industries.

They include:

• Limiting work experience placements to no more than 160 hours and reimbursing expenses;

• Paying at least the National Minimum Wage for anyone on a graduate internship;

• Limiting the working week of trainees and interns to 40 hours.

GMTV Chairman and Skillset chair Clive Jones said: “Getting a job in the creative industries should be about talent and potential. Yet this can prove challenging, given the sheer numbers who want a job and how informal entry often is. We understand that the recession and its impact mean that this is a challenging time for the industry. But by addressing this issue now we are seeking to make sure that the best and brightest talent is given fair access – and securing that talent is one of the best ways that we can ensure our future.”

Skillset chief executive Dinah Caine said: “We hope these guidelines will lay solid foundations for employers, setting out responsibilities in a clear and accessible way.”

More information about Guidelines for Employers offering Work Placements in the Creative Industries can be found at www.skillset.org/workplacementguidelines

About the author: Nicholas Sheridan is press and PR Officer. For more information please contact on 020 713 9854 or nicks@skillset.org.

Click here to read the guidelines.

About Skillset:

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.

Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries in the UK. Our remit covers the areas of: advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, and performing, literary and visual arts. For more information please visit www.ccskills.org.uk.

Arts Council England works to get great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic experiences that enrich people’s lives. As the national development agency for the arts, we support a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, and carnival to crafts. www.artscouncil.org.uk.