Financial instability and AI causing workforce disruption, says Creative Access report

Creative Access, the inclusivity organisation for the creative industries, surveyed 300 respondents – 200 individuals and 100 employers – for this year’s research which reveals the impact of widespread change across the creative economy. 

Less than half of respondents (42%) reported any career progression over the past year, compared with two-thirds in 2022. This was most noticeable amongst those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.  

Nearly 9 in 10 respondents have not received a promotion, and over 80% have not received a pay rise – a trend likely linked to the financial strain faced by many creative organisations.  

In 2022, two-thirds of respondents felt optimistic about their career. In 2025, that number has more than halved to just 31%. Disabled creatives reported the lowest optimism levels overall.  

Freelancers are particularly feeling the squeeze, with 46% reporting a decrease in the volume of work available. 

The report shows a troubling rise in negative impacts on mental health, with working hours (22%), poor line management (22%), team dynamics (15%) and a lack of focus on wellbeing (15%) appearing as the most common contributing factors. Disabled creatives were the most likely to say their mental health had been negatively affected by their work (50%). 

Still, almost a third of all respondents said their work did have some positive impact on their wellbeing, indicating that the right conditions can still foster fulfilment.  

The research also found that creative organisations have embraced AI at an astonishing rate: just 3% were using AI last year, whereas now in 2025, 53% are.  

But the workforce is still catching up. Only 18% of individuals say they’ve received AI training, and 82% have concerns about the ethical and inclusive implications of AI use in creative settings. 

CEO of Creative Access, Mel Rodrigues, said: “The creative industries are experiencing a period of profound and sustained upheaval. With optimism fading and career progression stalling, it’s vital that we now double down on our support for under-represented talent. If we don’t, we will lose a critical mass of skilled and experienced talent who have contributed immeasurably to our collective success over the past decade.”