A large-scale union survey of more than 5,500 creative industry workers has found that harassment and bullying remain widespread, with over two-thirds describing the sector as one where toxic and inappropriate behaviour is routinely tolerated or overlooked. Such issues appear most pronounced in unscripted television and disproportionately affect women, disabled workers, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The findings highlight serious failings in workplace culture, governance, and safeguarding practices within a sector often celebrated for its creativity and influence. Many employees and freelancers reported fearing the consequences of speaking up, citing the precarious nature of work and structural power imbalances. Only around half knew how to report harassment, and fewer than one in eight were satisfied with their employer’s response(s) to complaints. For freelancers in particular, fear of losing future work continues to prevent them from coming forward, underscoring a gap in protection for those outside traditional employment structure.
The union behind the report is calling for industry-wide reform, urging employers and government to treat safe and respectful workplaces as a fundamental business responsibility rather than an optional initiative. Recommendations include stronger reporting systems, clear anti-harassment policies in all contracts, and independent oversight to rebuild trust. The report also highlights the need for HR leaders to strengthen risk management, accountability, and training frameworks, especially in sectors reliant on freelance or short-term workers.
