Coronavirus: Theatres adapt to accommodate employees juggling day jobs and parenting

Theatres and arts organisations have started to make adjustments to accommodate workers who are now juggling caring responsibilities alongside their day jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Campaign group Parents and Carers in Performing Arts said its partners were “acknowledging the need to work differently and to guide their staff through this change”.

It comes as many parents find they are having to care for their children, while continuing to do their jobs, as nurseries and schools around the UK close due to the outbreak.

PIPA highlighted the work of companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, which it said had relaxed its Time Off for Dependants policy and ensured the RSC nursery remains open to children with key worker parents, including those from outside the organisation.

Meanwhile, dance company Rambert has been encouraging its staff to discuss altering their core hours to enable them to prioritise caring responsibilities at this time.

Sadler’s Wells in London has enabled its staff to work from home with relevant software, and PIPA said the company was responding to the “individual needs of parents and carers”.

PIPA also highlighted arts organisations and theatres that are holding “many virtual staff meetings”.

“This is a defining moment for our sector. While taking every precaution to protect our audiences and workforce, PIPA partners continue to demonstrate leadership, innovation, collaboration and compassion as we dig deep to ensure the longevity of our sector,” PIPA said.

PIPA also said it had been supporting its partners by sharing further resources about home working and reduced hours, and by planning online drop-in sessions.

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