Migratory patterns following Brexit and tapping into foreign creative skill sets
The creative industries, a significant contributor to the UK's economy, are facing challenges due to Brexit. Stricter visa policies and more complex migration systems have made it harder for UK creative firms to hire the talent they need[1][4].
A research paper, commissioned by the Creative Industries Council, focuses on the impact of Brexit on the UK's Creative Industries, with a particular focus on migration and foreign workers[5]. The survey of employers in the sector revealed the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses[6].
One of the key impacts of Brexit is the end of freedom of movement, which means employers must now obtain sponsor licenses to hire skilled workers from the EU and elsewhere, increasing administrative burden and limiting access to foreign talent[1]. The Skilled Worker visa, a main channel for foreign hires, saw its minimum skill level requirement raised in July 2025 from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree-level), excluding numerous occupations from sponsorship eligibility and thus reducing available foreign creative talent[2].
Brexit has also affected UK musicians and artists, resulting in a 26% decrease in British acts playing at EU festivals compared to pre-Brexit levels, diminishing international exposure and revenue[3]. The combined cost of touring and visa complexities makes sustaining creative careers more precarious, threatening the UK’s global creative market share and exports[4].
To address these issues, the authors of the research paper recommend changes to the UK's visa system to make it easier for UK firms to hire specialized, foreign talent[7]. Recommendations include introducing visa waivers or simplified visa routes for creative professionals, especially musicians and touring artists, to enable easier access to the EU market and reduce administrative hurdles[3].
Other suggestions include revising the Skilled Worker visa criteria to better accommodate occupations within the creative sector that may not meet the current degree-level skill threshold but are vital to the industry[2]. Developing a sector-specific immigration framework that balances attracting top global creative talent with building a sustainable local workforce through training, aligned with government immigration White Paper goals, is also proposed[2].
Streamlining sponsor license processes and compliance mechanisms to reduce employer burden and encourage more UK creative businesses to hire from abroad is another recommendation[1]. Coordinating with EU partners to negotiate reciprocal agreements that facilitate the mobility of artists and cultural workers in both directions, helping restore touring and collaboration opportunities, is also suggested[3][4].
These reforms would help the UK maintain its status as a global creative hub by securing easier access to foreign talent and enabling its creative professionals to thrive internationally despite Brexit-imposed barriers.
The worldwide exports of creative goods exceeded $500 billion USD in 2015, with a 150% increase since 2000[8]. The authors of the report, which reviews the current evidence for the impact of Brexit on the Creative Industries and presents an analysis of two stages of research, emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges to protect the UK's creative industries and its global competitiveness.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. The Conversation 3. Music Week 4. BBC News 5. Creative Industries Council 6. Liverpool John Moores University 7. The Times 8. UNESCO
- The creative industries, a substantial contributor to the UK's economy, are facing challenges due to Brexit, with stricter visa policies and complex migration systems making it harder for UK creative firms to hire the talent they need.
- A research paper commissioned by the Creative Industries Council focuses on the impact of Brexit on the UK's Creative Industries, particularly migration and foreign workers.
- One of the key impacts of Brexit is the end of freedom of movement, which means employers must now obtain sponsor licenses to hire skilled workers from the EU and elsewhere, increasing administrative burden and limiting access to foreign talent.
- The Skilled Worker visa, a main channel for foreign hires, saw its minimum skill level requirement raised in July 2025 from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree-level), excluding numerous occupations from sponsorship eligibility and thus reducing available foreign creative talent.
- To address these issues, the authors of the research paper recommend changes to the UK's visa system to make it easier for UK firms to hire specialized, foreign talent, such as introducing visa waivers or simplified visa routes for creative professionals.
- The combined cost of touring and visa complexities after Brexit makes sustaining creative careers more precarious, threatening the UK’s global creative market share and exports in the arts and education sectors, as well as other creative industries.
