A recent survey conducted by the Bectu union indicates that bullying and harassment remain prevalent in the creative industries, with approximately 69% of women reporting such experiences within the past year. This figure rises to 72% for female workers with disabilities. Following these findings, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the need for decisive action to address the issues highlighted in the survey.
Despite various initiatives aimed at improving workplace behavior, including a culture review at the BBC and the establishment of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), many individuals continue to encounter toxic behavior without reporting it. The survey revealed that around 70% of respondents believe inappropriate conduct, typically unacceptable in other sectors, is tolerated in the creative industries, reaching 80% in unscripted television, a sector facing financial pressures.
Among the over 5,500 creative workers surveyed, 61% had either witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment. Efforts by major television production companies to enhance workplace safety, including the introduction of anonymous hotlines and whistleblower protections, have been noted. However, challenges persist, particularly due to power dynamics between freelance workers and senior staff. Only 55% of individuals who experienced bullying reported it, and of these, 42% deemed the response inadequate.
Concerns extend to the sustainability of CIISA, as some industry figures question its ability to effectively investigate claims without legal powers and express apprehension regarding long-term funding. Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, warned that ongoing issues are contributing to the exit of skilled workers from the industry.
In response to the survey findings, Nandy stressed the importance of creating a safe working environment and called for robust action by the sector to address harassment. Meanwhile, changes in legislation now prohibit non-disclosure agreements intended to silence victims of workplace misconduct. CIISA is advocating for long-term financial support to provide reliable advice and a trusted platform for reporting issues.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/29/workplace-bullying-women-creative-industries-survey