UK screen agency Vision and Media to implement 4 day week for staff

In the latest setback for the regions, Vision and Media, the regional screen agency for the Northwest of England, has taken the decision to implement a compulsory 4 day week for its staff.

The move comes following UKFC cuts to regional funding and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the UKFC, which has forced the agency to make “significant savings,” according to its CEO Alice Morrison.

She said that the four day week, which will begin on 1 November for a trial 3 month period, would allow her to “retain our diverse and highly skilled team, whilst remaining as flexible as possible to address both the financial challenges and capitalise on any opportunities that may arise”

Vision And Media currently has a team of 48, according to its company website. Morrison confirmed that she had not ruled out redundancies.

On a positive note, the agency’s Film Office, which assists with production and location support in the region, is due to stay open 5 days a week. According to Vision And Media, this service has facilitated 540 productions in the last 12 months, bringing £48m worth on inward investment into the region.

“We will continue to meet all current, agreed and funded activity across the sectors and are resolute in our goal to create a world class digital and creative economy in the Northwest,” Morrison added.