Today, the Independent Cinema Office and the Bridge Group, publish new findings of the 2026 Workforce Survey, which gathered evidence about who works in UK film exhibition and the conditions shaping their working lives. Following the last survey conducted in 2022, this new survey, undertaken during March and April 2026, aims to provide a fresh understanding of whether and how the UK film exhibition workforce has changed over the past four years.

The survey sought responses from people working across cinema exhibition (cinemas, mixed arts venues, film festivals, film societies, film collectives), including employees, freelancers, volunteers and anyone involved in helping audiences access cinema in a public space. 620 individuals took part in the survey, representing a robust sample of the film exhibition sector – capturing roughly 3% of the total workforce – essential for making a clear and evidence‑led case to government and industry stakeholders about where investment is most urgently needed.

Notable findings include issues with the pipeline into the sector, particularly for people from ethnically diverse and less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. This compounds in senior leadership roles, with less Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people and disabled people in leadership roles in the sector – especially in venue-based organisations. The workforce appears to be ageing and people earlier in their career are less certain about staying, and organisations are more reliant on volunteers and unpaid labour.

The survey identified a notable increase in training uptake: 72% of respondents received training in the four years since the last survey, compared to only 50% in 2022 who had ever received training throughout their entire time in the sector. However, barriers to training remain consistent with 2022 with cost and workload most cited. Respondents identified an urgent need for skills in fundraising, environmental sustainability and AI to be prioritised. Training in AI was identified as a future priority by 15% of respondents, but only 6% have undertaken training in this area to date.

For the first time, respondents were asked about their experiences in the workplace revealing that overwork seems to be common, but compensation is limited.

Catharine Des Forges, Director of the Independent Cinema Office, said “This year’s survey shows that the pipeline into independent exhibition is still under real strain. People from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from less advantaged socio‑economic backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented, and these inequalities become even more pronounced in leadership roles. At the same time, organisations are becoming increasingly reliant on volunteers and in a challenging economic climate often do not have the resources to invest in the development of the workforce they need.

The findings give us a roadmap for change. With targeted investment and a renewed focus on developing and retaining diverse talent, the sector can build a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves. The ICO is committed to working with partners across the UK to ensure that independent cinema remains a place where everyone can build sustainable, meaningful and joyful careers.”

Jenny Baskerville, Chief Executive of the Bridge Group, said “While an increased uptake in workforce training is a welcome step forward, our latest survey analysis for the ICO reveals persistent barriers across entry to the sector, progression and workplace experience. These challenges are not unique to film exhibition but reflect wider pressures within the creative industries. We call upon employers and policymakers to use these rich and timely insights from colleagues to take action, ensuring that talent from all walks of life have the opportunity, means and structured support to thrive in independent cinema.”

To understand workforce development and equity, the survey asked about training access, skills needs, and career progression, and collected detailed demographic information including age, gender, sexuality, socio‑economic background, disability and ethnicity.

Demographics

Largely unchanged since 2022, 89% of respondents identified as white, compared to 79% of the wider working-age population. The sector continues to be overrepresented by higher socio-economic backgrounds (SEB). 57% of respondents come from high SEB, compared to 37% of the general population, and approximately 60% across the wider creative sector. This pattern is unchanged from 2022 and demands a structural response.

The sector appears to be ageing – the proportion of respondents aged 50 or over increased from 31% in 2022 to 42% in 2026, while those 30 and under have fallen from 25% to 18%. One in four respondents (24%) identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) or self-described in another way, far exceeding the national average (5%).

Respondents with a health condition, impairment or learning difference are more prevalent (34%) than in the wider working age population (24%). Mental health conditions remain the most reported.

Employment landscape

Since the last survey when 15% of respondents identified as volunteers, the share has now doubled to 31%. The prevalence of unpaid work experience has dropped slightly from 2022 from 40% to 37% in 2026, but this still constitutes a significant barrier for those who cannot afford to work without remuneration. Further analysis shows that women and respondents from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds are disproportionately likely to have undertaken unpaid work experience.

One‑third of self‑employed respondents (33%) say they freelance because they cannot find suitable employment. At the same time, far fewer freelancers report being able to secure enough work (down from 36% in 2022 to 20% in 2026).

The geographic concentration of jobs in London and the South East persists. While London’s share has slightly decreased, the combined London and South East region still accounts for nearly a third of respondents’ workplaces. Scotland accounts for 18% of respondents, a notable increase from 14% in 2022.

Experience in the workplace

80% of respondents work beyond their contracted hours, with more than half (51%) doing so “always” or “frequently”. Of the respondents working beyond their contracted hours, 98% report receiving some form of compensation, although rarely financial. The most common form of compensation is time off in lieu (TOIL), cited by 48% of this group. Only 14% report their additional working hours being usually paid.

Just 28% of the total workforce feels fairly paid. Women are notably more dissatisfied, with 43% feeling unfairly compensated compared to 36% of men.

57% of respondents in a managerial role reported having insufficient time in their week to manage and support their teams effectively. 51% of men (compared to 41% of women) reported having a “great deal” of input into decision-making, particularly in middle management.

Training and career development in the sector

Barriers to training are widespread and structural. 79% of respondents report at least one barrier to accessing training, with lack of time and lack of employer funding cited by around two-thirds of those affected. Geographic inequity is also stark – 58% of those working in Wales and the North cite a lack of nearby provision, compared to just 13% in London.

Career progression remains limited. 71% report at least one barrier to progression, most commonly a shortage of roles at the right level (58%) and unclear progression routes (57%). Geographic concentration of opportunities continues to be a barrier to career progression.

Retention is at risk, especially among early-career workers and the overworked. While 73% intend to continue in the sector, a quarter are undecided or likely to leave. Those with fewer than five years’ experience (34%) and those working more than 49 hours a week (42%) show the highest rates of uncertainty.

The survey was undertaken by the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) with over 20 years’ experience of delivering practical interventions in the independent film exhibition sector, and The Bridge Group, an independent research charity that promotes socio-economic inclusion through evidence, insight and collaboration. The survey was promoted widely across the UK exhibition sector to maximise reach and representation and was anonymous, mobile‑friendly and designed to take around 15 minutes to complete, supporting accessibility and encouraging participation. The ICO is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding.

About the Independent Cinema Office
The Independent Cinema Office (ICO) is the UK’s national body that supports independent cinemas through programming, training, consultancy, cultural distribution and organising Screening Days events that help cinemas broaden their programmes. Their mission is to champion the broadest range of cinema, and to develop audiences, venues and people.