The arts

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Actors’ union Equity has conducted an investigation to find and highlight practical solutions to combat sexual harassment as well as the fear of coming forward with abuse allegations in the theatre, film, TV, audio and new media industries.

A working group has been formed to support those who have suffered sexual harassment. It will ask members for suggestions on how to improve existing workplace policies about harassment and bullying.

In order to address members' concerns about bullying, mental health and sexual harassment, Equity is also appointing a full time member of staff to help in the reporting and resolving of these issues.

Freelancers in the arts

In the aftermath of the Weinstein scandal in Hollywood, BECTU is urging film and TV employers to exercise their duty of care for the freelancers they engage. The union wants to see employers in film and TV production introduce a “respect at work” clause into all contracts to promote workplaces free from bullying and harassment.

The union points out that freelancers struggle to raise complaints about mistreatment as they have no security of employment, time-limited engagements, long days, and work on location. The union is campaigning for film and TV employers to introduce a welfare review after each production to help to bring any issues to the attention of production management.