Claims of bullying in film and TV productions in Wales

The Senedd culture committee investigated the challenges facing Wales' creative industry workforce

Claims of bullying and inappropriate behaviour on film and television productions in Wales have been heard by a Senedd inquiry.

One person who gave evidence said they lost count of how many times they had seen people verbally abused on set.

Others told the culture committee there was "toxic behaviour" in the workforce.

Committee chair, Plaid Cymru's Delyth Jewell, said it was "unacceptable that workers should be subject to bullying behaviour at work".

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The committee, which investigated the challenges facing Wales' creative industry workforce, was told: "I have lost count the amount of times I have seen people being verbally abused on set."

The interviewee, who was not named in the report, added: "The egos of directors is a real thing and I have to be honest it does not make for a pleasant working environment - from other people I know, I would say it's probably a common occurrence in the industry."

Other individuals, also unnamed, told the inquiry there was a lack of understanding of how to report bad behaviour and a lack of human resources structure.

They also painted a picture of artistic directors "holding too much power", and people working freelance to finding if difficult to report problems within a "small connected industry".

In the inquiry's report, trade union BECTU described what it called a "culture of fear" that was preventing victims of bullying and harassment from coming forward "for fear of being branded a troublemaker".

The union said productions suffer from "poorly resourced" human resources provisions for productions that tend to only last just for 10 months or so, and therefore "they hope that there will be no further conversation about that", when issues arise.

Ms Jewell said it was "unacceptable that workers should be subject to bullying behaviour at work, a place which should be a safe space for them".

"We are determined to ensure that all those who participate and work within the creative industries in Wales can do so without fear of prejudice, bullying or discrimination," she said.

The culture committee said broadcasters had said they had processes and guidelines to address poor conduct.

The Welsh government said: "We'll consider the report and respond to the committee."