Petition · Department for Business and Trade

Enforce Payments for UK Creative Professionals and Freelancers within 30 Days

Closed 61 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

Timeline

4 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
4 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 61
Status Closed
Department Department for Business and Trade
Opened 4 Aug 2025
Closed 4 Feb 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 17 Aug 2026.