Closed petition: Enforce Payments for UK Creative Professionals and Freelancers within 30 Days

Closed on 4 February 2026

Introduce and enforce mandatory maximum payment terms for contracts within the creative industries, no longer than 30 days.

Implement effective penalties for businesses that (consistently) fail to adhere to these terms.

Support creatives to easily dispute and recover overdue payments

We think the payment practices within the creative industries in the UK are unsustainable for most creative professionals. They may frequently experience payment terms of 90-180+ days after invoicing the client.

This delay in payment and lack of penalties for late payers, creates financial instability.

We think the Government should protect the livelihoods of creatives, foster a healthier and more sustainable economy and ensure that those who drive one of our most successful sectors are paid fairly and promptly.