We’ve seen further deeply troubling news reports this week, during the sentencing of Russell Brand and allegations emerging against David Walliams.
Our members and all those working in the entertainment industries will be acutely aware of the vulnerability of the creative workplace in an environment where celebrity has historically wielded too much power and too little accountability.
We welcome the comments by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP this week who said that the Russell Brand case must be a wake-up call to protect women. Responding to the David Walliams allegations, Nandy also spoke about the “latest in a long line of reported abuses of power” in the industry.
It’s an issue that WGGB has long been campaigning on. Our joint union Creating Without Conflict campaign emerged from a 2013 report based on the responses of 4,000 creative workers, which identified the media and entertainment industries as hotspots of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
It’s something we continue to lobby, campaign on and talk to employers directly about. We work with other industry bodies, and we represent our members, in confidence, on an individual basis.
We have been a long-term supporter of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), have committed to work with them and welcomed the recent launch of their independent online whistleblowing portal.
In our 2024 manifesto Putting writers at the heart of the story, we called for (and continue to lobby and campaign around) fair treatment for UK writers, including increased accountability and transparency for funding bodies, production companies and venues; greater scrutiny of those who engage freelancer creators; improved protections for freelance workers against discrimination, bullying and harassment; and independent inquiries into racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in the creative industries.
We welcome the fact that one of our recommendations – the introduction of Freelance Champions for the creative industries – is now in place and we believe the Champions have a vital role to play in tackling bullying, harassment, discrimination and unsafe working practices. Freelancers are particularly vulnerable, and as we have seen from recent news reports, these issues become more urgent by the day. We look forward to working with the Freelance Champions on this.
Sources of support
Members who are experiencing bullying, discrimination and harassment can contact our Casework Team, in confidence, for support and advice: [email protected]
We also have an online Report It! service, where you can report bad practice in the industry (though if you need immediate support, please contact our Casework Team first).
For support with your mental health, we have put together a list of organisations with helplines and other sources of support – view it here.
The Film and TV Charity has a free and confidential 24-hour Support Line: 0800 054 0000. You can also access other support via their website, including a Bullying Advice Service.
CIISA is an independent, external whistleblowing body for those working in the film, TV, music and theatre industries (including live performance). This is known as being a ‘Prescribed Person’ under UK whistleblowing legislation. This means workers may be able to make whistleblowing disclosures to CIISA, where those concerns relate to matters within CIISA’s official remit. This covers any concerns regarding workplace behaviours covered by the CIISA Standards (including harassment, discrimination, victimisation and risks to health or safety). Find out more here.