Press release -
UK PR pros say they will boycott clients with Russian links - New research
Six in ten (60%) UK PR professionals say they will boycott companies with Russian links for the foreseeable future, according to new PRCA research.
112 days since Russia’s unlawful, brutal invasion of Ukraine, the findings reveal the extent to which the war has changed the way the UK PR industry feels about working with organisations with Russian ties.
The research – conducted by Perspectus Global– also found that one in ten (10 percent) have cancelled contracts with organisations and companies with links to Russia.
In fact, –the study found that almost a fifth (18 percent) of the PR people polled said they had colleagues or friends based in the Ukraine who they were fearful for.
Meanwhile, 57 percent have deep concerns about the global economy because of Russia’s actions, and almost two thirds (63 percent) believe that the invasion could be as damaging for the economy as the pandemic was.
“Our thoughts go out to those suffering the devastating impact of the war on the ground,” says Harriet Scott, CEO of Perspectus Global. “And while these are secondary effects, it’s clear that an industry which has already been shaken by the pandemic is now jumpy about the events unfolding in Ukraine. It’s clear that there are real fears that the hard work to get agencies back running smoothly could be hit once more following fallout from the war.
The study also found that just a quarter (26 percent) of those polled believe that the invasion will not affect their business in some way in the future.
Learn more about PRCA/ICCO’s Ukraine Communication Support Network (UCSN). Sign up to the UCSN mailing list for further updates.
The study was conducted by Perspectus Global, in partnership with the PRCA, and surveyed 55 UK PR professionals during April, May and June 2022.
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The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is the world’s largest professional PR body.
We represent more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide. With offices in London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Buenos Aires, we are a global advocate for excellence in public relations.
Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous PR industry. We champion - and enforce - professional standards around the world through our Professional Charter and Code of Conduct. The Code compels members to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice.
We deliver exceptional training, authoritative industry data, and global networking, and development opportunities.
We also manage the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) - the umbrella body for 41 PR associations and 3,000 agencies across the world, and LG Comms – the UK’s national body for local government communicators. Additionally, we support the delivery of the Motor Industry Communicators Association (MICA).
