Find out more about the performing arts and entertainment trade union, Equity, and they can help your child if they’re a performer
If your child is between the ages of 10 and 17, they may be eligible for Equity Child Membership and all the benefits that come with it. Here’s what you need to know!
Equity is the trade union for the performing arts and entertainment industries. They work hard to ensure that actors are paid fairly, treated fairly and have access to help and advice when they need it. But this isn’t just for adult performers – Equity also assists young performers and their parents.
As the parent of a child Equity member, you can also call on the union for help and advice. Equity staff members, located across the UK, have immense experience and knowledge of all areas of the industry and are happy to give advice to members and their agents.
Eligibility
First up, the performer should be between the ages of 10 and 17 to qualify for Equity Child Membership. They are then eligible to join if:
- They have undertaken one job on an Equity contract in film, TV, radio or theatre;
- They have evidence of earnings in excess of £250 from the industry in an area of work covered by Equity. This can include work undertaken outside the UK;
- They can provide proof of membership of an FIA-affiliated Union.
Benefits
There are lots of great reasons to join Equity, with a variety of benefits for parents of young performers and young performers themselves who are actively working in the industry.
Here are just a few of the ways that Equity can help your child succeed in this tough industry:
- Pay and Conditions: Equity set the minimum terms and conditions across the entertainment industry and gives advice on all contracts and agreements. This means they can advise on whether your child is being fairly paid for the work they are doing, and that conditions are fair.
- Legal and Welfare Support: Equity offer free legal advice and support in disputes over professional engagements including personal injury claims. We also provide free advice on National Insurance, tax, benefits, welfare issues and discrimination, taking cases to the tribunal level if needed.
- Representation: If there is a dispute with an employer, Equity is able to provide representation for your child. That means that if there’s any danger of anything going wrong, they’ve got your back.
- Insurance: Insurance cover is automatically included in your child’s Equity membership, including Public Liability Insurance of £10 million, and Accident and Backstage cover.
- Royalties and other payments: Equity distributes millions of pounds each year in payments for the use of members’ work in television and film re-runs, DVD and video sales and audio recordings. This means getting paid where credit is due for your child’s work.
- Contract Enforcement: If there’s something in your child’s contract that hasn’t quite worked out or you believe there’s some money owed, Equity can investigate on your behalf.
Take a look at the full list of benefits for Equity members and find out more about how to join.
