Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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We make events — don’t abandon us
On September 30, events professionals around the country will take part in various actions to expose the dire situation facing workers in this highly profitable industry. GRAHAM DAKIN writes about the conditions and challenges that have led them to this point
Due to Covid-19 the live entertainment industry has essentially disappeared overnight — and the women and men who work hard to bring events to the stage are facing possible destitution
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
FOURTEEN hours spent building a gigantic LED wall for a corporate client at Old Billingsgate Market — the date was February 18 and it would be my last full day of work this year: news of the coronavirus spreading was already coming thick and fast and jobs were quickly starting to vanish.
After eight years in the industry, I expected 2020 to be my most successful yet. Seven months later, there is still no clarity on when I will be able to return to work. The live-events industry was the first to close its doors and will probably be the last to return. There have been many ups and downs since then, including the waiting game with HM Revenue and Customs and our efforts to be recognised for financial support.
Many people in our industry spoke publicly about their situation, while unions like Bectu lobbied the government tirelessly.
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