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Government report finds Brexit costs UK creative industries over £200 million and thousands of jobs

Government report finds Brexit costs UK creative industries over £200 million and thousands of jobs

27 August 2026

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One Dance UK and other members of the Cultural Exchanges Coalition (CEC) today share new research published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the impact of Brexit on the creative industries.

The report titled ‘The economic benefits of touring and impact of EU exit’ was conducted by Ipsos UK and Nordicity for DCMS, with findings detailing the negative economic consequences for both the UK and EU due to reduced touring activity by UK performers in the EU between 2022 and 2024. The report also notes a negative economic impact on the EU as well as the UK.

The headline findings in the report include:

  • Between 2022 and 2024 the UK is estimated to have lost £208 million in GVA (Gross Value Added) and 2,490 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs within the touring sectors covered by this study

  • Smaller and mid-scale touring activity has been found to be disproportionately affected

  • Stakeholders reported that immigration, customs, transport, taxation and social security requirements interact cumulatively, increasing costs, complexity and operational uncertainty for touring activity.

  • Evidence suggests that reduced touring activity has implications for workforce sustainability, cultural exchange, audience development and future export growth across both the UK and EU.   

  • The report states ‘Between 2022 and 2024, the UK’s exit from the EU is estimated to the economic contribution of UK live music touring, along with UK orchestra, theatre, dance, and visual arts organisations. This potential reduction in economic value is calculated to correspond to a loss of 920 direct FTEs and £95.6 million in direct GVA. When indirect and induced impacts are factored in, the total estimated impact rises to 2,490 FTEs and £208.0 million.’

Read the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-economic-benefits-of-touring-and-impact-of-eu-exit/the-economic-benefits-of-touring-and-impact-of-eu-exit