The actors' union Equity has announced a pay agreement for soap opera stars affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Production on popular shows including Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale was halted last month to curb the spread of the virus.
Under the deal, cast members on contract will receive monthly payments while filming remains suspended. Equity stated that the payments 'either meet or come very close to the benchmark set by the government' for wage support.
John Barclay, head of recorded media at Equity, expressed gratitude to union deputies and staff for their efforts. 'By securing financial protection for artists now, we go some way towards safeguarding a vibrant future for the industry when this crisis is behind us and production can resume,' he said.
The union acknowledged that many actors and workers on these productions are not highly paid, and that it had pushed for more but settled for the best possible outcome in the current economic climate. The government's job retention scheme, covering up to £2,500 per month, is not expected to start until June.
