Seven out of 10 women in creative industries experience bullying and harassment, survey finds

"Bullying and harassment towards women is still rife within the creative industries, according to a survey that found seven out of 10 of its female workforce had experienced toxic behaviour. The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, said the industry needed to take robust action following the deeply concerning findings. The survey, undertaken by the Bectu union, found that 69% of women in the sector said they had directly experienced workplace bullying and harassment in the past 12 months."

"More than seven in 10 also said behaviours that would be considered toxic and inappropriate in public life were often tolerated within the creative industries, despite efforts to tackle it. It increased to eight in 10 in the world of unscripted television, a sector that has been under financial stress as broadcasters have funnelled more money towards high-end drama. Insiders say freelance workers, already struggling for work, still feel nervous about putting their heads above the parapet."

"Overall, 61% of creative workers said they had personally witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment in the workplace. More than 5,500 creative industry workers in non-performing roles were surveyed, from theatre to film and TV to fashion. Big television production companies have made serious efforts to improve behaviour in an industry reliant on freelance workers. Anonymous hotlines and protections for whistleblowers have been introduced, alongside the industry-wide Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA)."

Bullying and harassment towards women are widespread across the creative industries, with seven out of 10 female workers reporting toxic behaviour. The Bectu union survey recorded 69% of women experiencing workplace bullying or harassment in the past 12 months, rising to 72% for workers with disabilities. Overall, 61% of creative workers said they had personally witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment. More than 5,500 non-performing creative industry workers across theatre, film, TV and fashion responded. More than seven in 10 respondents said toxic behaviours were often tolerated, increasing to eight in 10 in unscripted television. Freelance workers frequently fear reporting incidents. Industry responses include BBC culture reviews, the creation of CIISA, anonymous hotlines, whistleblower protections and efforts by major production companies, yet serious problems persist.

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