The Stage

MPs urged to take action over female performers’ pay

Published Tuesday 27 January 2009 at 14:20 by Matthew Hemley

Results of a survey highlighting how female performers earn less and have shorter careers than their male counterparts was this week presented to culture minister Barbara Follett.

Equity vice-president Jean Rogers and the union’s general secretary Christine Payne handed over the findings to Follett in an attempt to raise the government’s awareness of the problems faced by actresses.

The survey, conducted by the International Federation of Actors and completed by more than 1,000 Equity members, found that around three-quarters of female performers believe their gender puts them at a disadvantage in relation to the number and variety of acting roles on offer.

Payne urged MPs, broadcasters and producers to take note of the findings and to “take action to ensure that the real lives of real women are reflected on our stages and screens”.

Rogers added: “It cannot be right for the entertainment industry to discard so many talented performers just because they are female and have reached a certain age.”