Pact and ScreenSkills back pilot looking to tackle practices damaging screen industries

The BFI has set aside £1.5m to support the screen industries in addressing long-standing practices that are damaging the inclusive treatment, health and wellbeing of the workforce.  

The free-to-access online WorkWise for Screen pilot programme will provide resources and guidance to support equity, inclusion and respect at work. It follows widespread reports of workers struggling with working conditions, mental health and their work-life balance. 

Most recently, The Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass survey highlighted the deepening mental health crisis in the industry, with nearly a third of respondents saying they have had suicidal thoughts and more than a third (35%) of respondents saying their mental health is ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.  

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, WorkWise for Screen will be a continuously evolving resource supported by a podcast series and a peer-to-peer network targeted at small and medium sized companies and heads of department, working across production, animation, VFX, distribution and gaming. 

It will help people navigate changes to UK employment law under Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill and provide legal contracting and policy templates, e-learning modules, live talks and events, a newsletter, and quarterly magazine to cover developments and updates.

It will be delivered by Counterculture and led by creative industries lawyer Keith Arrowsmith. 

The pilot is being backed by numerous TV bodies including Screenskills and Pact, with guidance of an Industry Advisory Board, an HR Technical Group and a Producers Group to ensure it remains current and is responsive to the sector. 

Pact chief executive John McVay said: “Pact welcomes this pilot that will complement the many industry led initiatives that seek to ensure that the UK film and television industries continue to offer amazing jobs, careers and attract talent from across the UK.” 

Screenskills chief executive Laura Mansfield said: “Having helped shape the WorkWise for Screen programme alongside our partners, we welcome its launch as it will complement and enhance the resources currently available, providing guidance in areas such as employment law and workplace culture.  

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with WorkWise and, by building on existing progress, help to create a sector where equity, dignity, and respect are prioritised for all in the screen industries.” 

Arrowsmith said: “The programme is strongly rooted in current legislation to provide everything the industry needs to keep it on safe ground. We will continue to work in consultation with the sector to make it a usable and effective tool for all, supporting those who want to engage an inclusive, robust and happy workforce.” 

This first appeared on our sister site Broadcast.