Workplace bullying in the television industry

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Workplace bullying in the television industry - bullying and overworking in the television industry

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russman		#1 Posted : 03 September 2023 08:00:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice on bullying and overworking in the television industry.. My wife has just recently resigned from a contract with a television production company after being made to work hours way beyond the contract agreement and being extensively shouted at, in front of work colleagues, for issues that are outside of her control. This caused high levels of stress and anxiety and was the reason for early resignation of the contract. I have limited experience in this area as I work in a completely different industry sector and I would like to know if there is any specific legal breaches by the production company. Alternatively, is there any recommendations of precautions that could be put in place to protect my wife from any further repercussions from the management of the production company. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Best Russ


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Kate		#2 Posted : 03 September 2023 09:01:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		The best source of advice on this is ACAS. As well as information on their website, they have a helpline that your wife could call. https://www.acas.org.uk/ By further repercussions, are you thinking of things such as bad or no reference and being blacklisted in the industry? Or something else?

1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.		russman on 04/09/2023(UTC)
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Roundtuit		#3 Posted : 03 September 2023 09:14:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		I do recall seeing a production company at work in a hotel I was staying in for business. The director and senior crew acted like they were God even toward the hotel staff, a matter not helped by the junior crew effectively cowtowing as they know their next contract opportunity will be based upon recommendation. Even in today's supposedly enlightened industry the crew are still subject to outbursts by the supposed creative genius (and unfortunately the management behind them). Or innappropriate behaviour as seen in court and the press. It is not a industry I would recommend to anyone who does not possess the hide of a rhino when it comes to criticism (spend many an hour counselling friends and family who are also in this line of work). Normal employment rules are out the window in this sector given it feeds hand to mouth from one production to another. If they can happily close a multi-million pound set and suspend shooting due to a strike one employees bullying concerns are not going to rock a boat. Your wife would be best advised to find a new line of work

2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.		russman on 04/09/2023(UTC), russman on 04/09/2023(UTC)
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Roundtuit		#4 Posted : 03 September 2023 09:14:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		I do recall seeing a production company at work in a hotel I was staying in for business. The director and senior crew acted like they were God even toward the hotel staff, a matter not helped by the junior crew effectively cowtowing as they know their next contract opportunity will be based upon recommendation. Even in today's supposedly enlightened industry the crew are still subject to outbursts by the supposed creative genius (and unfortunately the management behind them). Or innappropriate behaviour as seen in court and the press. It is not a industry I would recommend to anyone who does not possess the hide of a rhino when it comes to criticism (spend many an hour counselling friends and family who are also in this line of work). Normal employment rules are out the window in this sector given it feeds hand to mouth from one production to another. If they can happily close a multi-million pound set and suspend shooting due to a strike one employees bullying concerns are not going to rock a boat. Your wife would be best advised to find a new line of work

2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.		russman on 04/09/2023(UTC), russman on 04/09/2023(UTC)
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firesafety101		#5 Posted : 03 September 2023 12:13:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Seems like a case of Constructive Dismissal (CD). As above contact ACAS and they will no doubt liaise with the employer and your wife. Forced extending working hours over what the contract says is one of the top examples of CD. Good luck.

1 user thanked firesafety101 for this useful post.		russman on 04/09/2023(UTC)
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