Discover the dynamic growth of London’s creative economy, contributing significantly to the city’s economic vitality with a remarkable addition of over 200,000 jobs in just five years. The latest insights from City Hall showcase the sector’s resilience and pivotal role in shaping London’s workforce landscape.
In 2021, the creative economy claimed over 1.1 million jobs, constituting a substantial 21.6% of the capital’s workforce. This surge is a noteworthy advancement from 2016, where 882,000 jobs (16.9%) were reported. Impressively, these figures account for over half of the entire economic output of the UK’s creative industries.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan hails these findings, recognizing the creative sector as «the beating heart of our city.» Despite robust post-pandemic recovery, challenges persist, prompting Khan to call for sustained government funding and support.
Last month’s launch of «London Creates,» led by Mayor Khan, champions London as the world’s premier creative capital. Complementing this initiative, the Mayor is investing over £600 million to establish East Bank, a cultural and educational powerhouse at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Additionally, 12 Creative Enterprise Zones are being created to provide affordable workspace for 800 creative businesses, facilitating the entry of 5,000 young Londoners into the creative industries by 2026.
Ben Evans, Director of the London Design Festival and Executive Director of the London Design Biennale, underscores the need for ongoing investment to uphold London’s leadership in the creative arena. Evans advocates for measures such as a creative visa to attract global talent and an expansion of training and apprenticeship schemes to address skill shortages exacerbated by Brexit.
In June, the government outlined ambitious plans to propel the country’s creative industries, targeting a £50 billion growth and the creation of a million more jobs by 2030, with a substantial £77 million in new funding for the sector. Explore the thriving landscape of London’s creative sector, a driving force behind the city’s economic success.
