Policy Brief: Safe to Speak Up?

Safe to Speak Up Policy Brief (PDF , 644kb)

The brief is based on a comprehensive report, funded by the Screen Industries Growth Network and is underpinned by new research carried out with participants from across the industry, who have experienced and/or spoken up about sexual harassment and violence at work since December 2017. Most of the incidents were recent, occurring since 2020 and some as recent as 2022.

Sexual harassment and violence are still occurring in the UK film and television industry, and there is evidence that employers are still not fulfilling their legal obligations to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace. Six years on from #MeToo, the current approach is still failing workers, especially women, and new regulatory mechanisms are needed. To address sexual harassment in the screen industries, general workplace protections around sexual harassment need to be strengthened alongside steps for industry-specific policy in this area.

This policy brief suggests areas for change and the next steps for regulatory provision, including pushing for the passing of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill, which was proposed in 2021 and as of 2023 has still not been passed. 

Download the Brief - Safe to Speak Up Policy Brief (PDF , 644kb) - or visit the SIGN website to read the full report – Anna Bull (2023), Safe to Speak Up? Sexual harassment in the UK film and television industry since #MeToo. There is also a summary version and an industry briefing, aimed at those working in the screen industries.