Bullying and harassment helpline for music industry announced
"Bullying and harassment is an industry-wide challenge that requires a collaborative response"
A new helpline has been set up to support those who may be suffering bullying and harassment in the UK music industry.
Help Musicians started the service in response to the fact that many musicians have spoken out in recent years about their experiences of bullying and harassment in the industry. Additionally, according to PRS For Music, the Musician’s Union has received hundreds of reports of such issues to its SafeSpace service.
James Ainscough, chief executive of Help Musicians, said: ‘Bullying and harassment is an industry-wide challenge that requires a collaborative response.
“The creation of the helpline is a vital first step but this is only one part of the solution, and we look forward to seeing industry-wide standards and culture change that eventually leads to our service becoming redundant.”
The helpline will be anonymous and will be provided by “a third party organisation with a depth of experience running similar services across the UK” (via PRS For Music). The helpline will run alongside the Musician’s Union’s SafeSpace service.
The UK’s Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Bullying and harassment have no place in society, and it is pleasing to see this fantastic new resource being made available to those who work in our world class music industry.
“I have heard first hand the experiences of those who have been subjected to bullying and harassment and I am committed to continuing to work with the industry to tackle the issue.”
Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, the chief executive of UK Music added: “For the vast majority, the music industry is a safe, welcoming and creative environment. However, this is not always the case which is why we must all work together to urgently address bullying and harassment.
“Help Musicians’ new helpline is an excellent and hugely welcome addition to the work that is already under way to tackle these challenges and will become an invaluable resource. The music industry must take a united approach and keep working to bring about lasting change to ensure every workplace is a truly welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.”
The service will provide emotional support, guidance on how to solve the issues raised and advice on how to raise the issue via more formal channels where necessary.
The service will launch this March.