Film And Broadcasting Minister Predicts 50,000 New Creative Industry Jobs By 2003

Around 50,000 new jobs are expected to be created within the UK’s creative industries over the next three years, according to Film and Broadcasting Minister Janet Anderson. Speaking at the London College of Fashion’s Millennium Conference, she said continued, saying that, “A majority of these will be skilled jobs – widening our skills base and equipping us as a nation to take the lead in the development and use of new, creative technologies.”

The sector, which includes advertising, design, the performing arts, TV, film and computer games, is already said to generate £60bn in revenue each year, and employs 1.4m people. “The creative industries are growing at a rate of 5% a year, twice the national average.” stated Anderson, “These industries are a vibrant, exciting, productive part of the economy – they make a difference!” she continued.

The minister also noted that expansion was not limited to the media’s heartland, London, but benefited cities including Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham. She went on to say that the government and industry needed to work together to build on the achievements made already. “We need to drive the agenda forward, exploiting the spirit of partnership which the Creative Industries Task Force has engendered.” was her conclusion.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: 020 7211 6100

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