Report shows creative industries are “hotspot” for bullying

A survey of 4,000 workers in arts and entertainment has revealed these industries are “hotspots” for bullying, with 56% saying they had been bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work. The results showed high levels of ill-treatment and inappropriate behaviour in high pressure work places and a culture of silence, with only a third of those suffering bullying and harassment reporting the incidents.

Commissioned by the Federation of Entertainment Unions which represents workers in TV, theatre, film, music, publishing and new media, the survey found that while managers were the main perpetrators of bullying and harassment, co-workers and colleagues were also offenders. Almost three-quarters of musicians said abuse came largely from co-workers.

Bullying and harassment was recorded at all types of workplaces, including publically-funded national arts, music and media institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Eight out of 10 women who reported bullying, harassment or discrimination said their gender was a factor, with reports of anything from lewd remarks to sexual assault: one in 10 respondents working in theatre, television and film had witnessed sexuality-related harassment. Age was another significant factor with those in the youngest and oldest age groups being most affected; 51% of those aged 51-60 and 16-30 experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination because of age.

The report, ‘Creating Without Conflict’, has put forward a number of recommendations including the need for tougher action against perpetrators, better policies in the workplace on conflict resolution and greater protection for freelance workers. There is a need for better training in dealing with unreasonable behavior, with clear guidance being provided for freelancers by employers, and confidential hotlines for workers. It is also suggested that there should be more union recognition in workplaces so that representatives can negotiate anti-bullying policies and represent victims; membership of a union was found to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome where bullying was reported.

Christine Payne, General Secretary of performers’ union Equity, said: “We often hear excuses that the demands of creating art and entertainment are such that a difficult and sometimes unsafe working environment is necessary. This is simply not the case. We do not believe working people should be made to suffer for their art and we need to draw a line in the sand. On one side is good management, motivation and leadership and on the other is harassment, bullying and abuse.”