HL Deb 10 May 1978 vol 391 cc1146-7WA
Lord VAIZEY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many musicians were in employment, and how many were registered as unemployed in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

Separate information is not available for musicians. It is estimated that, during the period 1975–1977, about 30,000 to 40,000 people were at work in the following occupations:

  • actors, singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and other entertainment performers; musical composers and choreographers; directors, producers, managers, and related occupations in the performing, audio and visual arts.

The number of unemployed people registered at employment offices as seeking work in the above occupations was:

June 1975 3,976
June 1976 4,955
June 1977 5,634

The above figures exclude teachers specialising in the arts, though it is known that there is movement from teaching to performing and vice-versa, which may affect the way in which individuals describe their work at different times.