Broadcast union, Bectu says it has “real concerns” about the working conditions faced by staff and freelances in factual television.
It comes following research, which found that workers faced long hours, inadequate rest breaks, low rates of pay, short staffing and budget constraints.
“This survey, launched to support BECTU’s Say No to Exploitation in TV campaign, is confirming the early reports we had about conditions in the sector,” said Sharon Elliott, communications officer.
“It’s increasingly clear that the workforce doesn’t have much of an opportunity to discuss their concerns so we’ll be doing our best to encourage employers to take the findings seriously.
“These aren’t whinges to be dismissed but genuine concerns from staff and freelances who are committed to what they do and who are calling for necessary improvements to the way their work is managed and organised,”
The online survey opened on 9 January, with a full report due to be published later this month. Respondents are asked to provide information about holiday pay, time off, overnight accommodation, additional duties and health and safety. They can then rate their employers on which they’d work for again and which they wouldn’t.
It’s open to members and non-members of the union and can be found here, the closing date is 25 January.
