Bectu: ‘Huge’ TV industry skills exodus imminent

Bectu has warned a skills exodus in the UK screen industry is imminent after unveiling data that more people than ever are considering leaving the business.

The union’s latest poll of 2,375 workers shows that nearly four out of 10 (38%) film and TV workers plan to leave the sector within five years, up marginally from its February 2024 survey (37% ) and a major jump from in its September 2023 poll (24%).

The figures are growing despite indications work has picked up since the start of the commissioning slowdown, ad revenue downturn and US strikes last year. While more than half (52%) of the UK’s screen workforce remain out of work following a particularly challenging period, the unemployment figure has fallen since February when over two-thirds (68%) of the industry was out of work, and September when three-quarters (75%) were unemployed.

However, the data shows people in unscripted TV are finding it toughest, with 57% of people out of work and 53% indicating they plan to leave the industry.

Bectu also warns that the proportion of workers from a minority ethnic background planning to leave the industry is significantly higher, with nearly half (44%) of Black respondents, 41% of Asian respondents, and 40% of respondents from mixed or multiple ethnic groups saying this of themselves compared with 37% of white respondents.

The poll suggests most workers (81%) are struggling financially as a result of the fall in work, while a further seven out of 10 (70%) are struggling with their mental wellbeing. The latter is slightly down since February when this figure was 75%.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “Clearly, little has materially improved for the workforce and discussions must be laser focused on how we can collectively make things better for workers, who are critical to the sector’s success but continue to bear the brunt of industry changes.

“Our findings speak for themselves – if the industry doesn’t take tangible and collective action soon, we will see a huge skills exodus and a further deterioration in industry diversity, alongside prolonged mental health challenges and debilitating financial difficulties.”

She added that the union will continue to push broadcasters and other stakeholders for improved support mechanisms and to push workers’ needs to the top of the political agenda.