We need the Government to strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens.
And we need protections that recognise the fact that freelancers must have an equal level of protection to those in fixed employment.
We call on Government to include strong protections for freelancers in all new laws to prevent sexual harassment at work.
Why is this important?
New research by the MU reveals 48% of members surveyed have been sexually harassed at work, and more than half have witnessed incidents of sexual harassment while working.
61% of musicians who took the survey told us they feel at greater risk of experiencing sexual harassment because of their freelance status.
That’s why the Musicians’ Union is campaigning for stronger protections from sexual harassment at work that include freelancers too.
Please sign the petition now to show your support.
By signing the petition, you are reminding the Government that they have a duty to protect everyone from sexual harassment at work – including you, and musicians and other freelancers you know or whose work you enjoy.
PREVENTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK
We asked 724 musicians about their experiences of sexual harassment at work. This research shows:
• 48% have experienced sexual harassment at work
• 58% have witnessed sexual harassment at work
• 61% believe freelancers are at higher risk of being sexually harassed while working
That’s not all; an overwhelming majority of members who experienced sexual harassment at work said that they did not report their experiences.
And who can blame them. We’ve seen first-hand how difficult it is for freelancers to report sexual harassment and get any form of redress.
It’s a clear sign that the system is broken, and we’re calling on Government to take this opportunity to fix it.
PROTECT FREELANCERS TOO
It should not be the responsibility of the self-employed or freelancers to protect themselves from sexual harassment. Do not let the Government forget that it has a duty to protect everyone at work.
Add your voice to the call to protect freelancers too.