Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help improve mental health and wellbeing support in the media production industry.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related regulations require employers and the self-employed to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers. Under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments, including risks from work-related stress, and share significant findings with those affected.

To support compliance, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a range of guidance on common risks which may be applicable to activities within film, television and theatrical production, such as work related stress (Work-related stress and how to manage it - HSE). HSE also provides guidance specific to the film and television industry, describing the various roles and responsibilities of those within the production process (INDG360 - Health and safety in audio-visual production. Your legal duties) and guidance and information sheets for specific production activities and risks, e.g. stunts, use of firearms and filming while using vehicles. All guidance is freely available on the HSE website. Industry specific guidance is also available from a range of industry bodies and stakeholders.

HSE also chairs the Joint Advisory Committee for Entertainment (JACE), which brings together industry trade bodies, trade unions, large event organisations and national broadcasting organisations to address industry concerns and promote higher health and safety standards. In addition, HSE works with the Film and TV Charity, the Society of Occupational Medicine Special Interest Group for occupational health in Film and TV and industry trade unions to raise awareness of, and control, work-related stress and psychosocial hazards within the sector.