Investigation into skills deficits in the UK live events sector

Purpose The live events industry is a hugely important aspect of the UK economy. The sector has been seen to be negatively impacted by Brexit and devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trade organisations have championed the plight of companies and freelancers and have lobbied the Government for support, producing reports drawn from surveys of industry-based professionals. Skills deficits have been highlighted as a key concern and this study explores this issue through the lived experiences of employers and freelancers working across the sector. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivist qualitative research methodology was employed, with data collected from one-to-one semi-structured interviews with 13 experienced live events industry professionals. Overarching and emergent themes were coded, classified and analysed via iterative content analysis. Findings The pandemic highlighted deep structural issues in the live events sector, including reliance on insecure freelance work, poor conditions, and non-inclusive hiring practices. Issues around work-life balance are driving high staff turnover, particularly among younger workers. Limited engagement with universities weakens talent pipelines. Practical implications Access to relatable role models, more inclusive recruitment practices, improving early career experiences and working conditions is critical to attracting and retaining a diverse, informed and skilled workforce. Originality/value This research provides unique insights into the impact of skills deficits in the UK live events industry. The findings contribute to the development of strategies to enhance the skills pipeline and workforce stability.