Bectu’s Big Survey in parliament: Bectu hosts roundtable on key industry issues
This week Bectu hosted a roundtable in Parliament to discuss the findings of Bectu’s Big Survey with MPs and Lords, as well as stakeholders and partners from across the creative industries.
Bectu’s Big Survey Parliamentary roundtable
The survey is the largest-ever survey of behind-the-scenes creative industry workers, with over 5,500 responses across film, TV, theatre, live events, fashion, and broadcasting.
Head of Bectu Philippa Childs and Research Officer Rosie Carter were joined by Baroness Fiona Twycross, Minister for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in the Lords; Baroness Helena Kennedy, Chair of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), Baroness Dinah Cain and Viscount Charles Colville. Fiona Twycross set out the steps the Government is taking to improve conditions for workers, particularly freelancers, in the creative industries.
Key industry figures were also in attendance, including representatives from CIISA, the British Screen Forum, the BFI, ScreenSkills, the Film and TV Charity, and Creative UK.
Bectu rep Sean O’Malley said on his experiences of working as a freelancer in outside broadcasting and live events: “Fear of reporting accidents, late payments and fear of standing up to bullying and harassment are all too common.”
Liz Biggs a Bectu rep from our Unscripted branch commented: “We are used to it being feast and famine but the last two years it’s gone to about a 6 month working year.”
Industry must fully back CIISA
In particular, discussion focused on the endemic culture of bullying and harassment rooted in informal workplace cultures, which freelancers are especially vulnerable to.
Industry stakeholders and parliamentarians highlighted how critical it is for industry workers to have an independent body to go to, and urged employers and the wider sector to fully back CIISA. Bectu’s Big Survey found that only around half (55%) of those who have experienced bullying or harassment had reported the incident to their employer or engager.
Freelance Champion must be given real powers
We’re committed to ensuring our Big Survey comes at a time of positive change. Alongside other industry partners, Bectu has successfully lobbied the Government to appoint a Freelance Champion, to advocate for freelancers within government.
We want this research to build on the momentum of this appointment, and the Government’s prioritisation of the creative industries as a key sector driving growth.
Speakers at the roundtable were clear that to drive meaningful change, the Freelance Champion must be given real powers to challenge and root out bad practice, and be a true voice for the industry’s freelance workforce. See more photos from the event.