Well, it has happened. ‘Profit share’ as we know it has gone on trial, and profit share lost. The Guardian reports:
The Guardian goes on to point out that further guidance is needed for companies that want to operate on an unpaid cooperative basis.
This case is likely to encourage other actors to come forward and claim their wages. Equity organiser Paul Flemming points out: “There has to be a level of compromise; there has to be an acceptance that the right of a producer to produce a play is not greater that the right of an artist to be paid.”
The Low Pay Commission has asked HMRC to provide industry specific NMW Guidelines, on a number of occasions, but after over 2 years. HMRC have still failed to do so. They have merely given one case – which is a pitiful result!