Note: This guide deals with a difficult subject and may be distressing for some readers. If you need immediate support, the resources at the end of this guide are here to help.
If you've experienced harassment, bullying or discrimination at work, any concerns you raise should be heard and acted upon - regardless of your employment status, and regardless of the power held by the person responsible.
Whilst it is more complicated when you're freelancing — as there's often no formal grievance process, or concern that speaking up will cost you work — it is important that your experience does not go unrecorded.
This guide is here to help you understand what support is available and what options you have.
Unfortunately, discrimination and harassment are all too common.
In UK film and TV, 41% of workers experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination in 2024 — two and a half to three times higher than the UK workforce average. In advertising, research shows 26% of the workforce have been sexually harassed, and 72% of that group report it happening more than once.
Freelancers are disproportionately affected: almost two in three freelancers in the screen industries have experienced bullying, compared to 46% of employees, and nearly half of female freelancers have experienced sexual harassment.
The gap freelancers face
Under the Equality Act 2010, employment protections against discrimination are by definition only offered to employees. The legal picture is genuinely complex: some freelancers may be covered depending on the nature of their contract, particularly if the work requires personal service and cannot be subcontracted. But many are not. There is no HR department. There is no formal grievance process. And there is often a very real fear that speaking up will cost you financially, or with your reputation.
53% of those affected in the film and TV sector did not report their experiences, and 42% believed reports would not be acted upon regardless of who the perpetrator was.
That silence is understandable, but it does not mean it has to continue.
Get support first
Before anything else, speak to someone. Not because you have to decide what to do next, but because carrying this alone is hard.
If you work in advertising or media, contact NABS — the industry support charity, open to self-employed workers. NABS: 0800 707 6607 | nabs.org.uk
If you work in film, TV or cinema, the Film and TV Charity has a dedicated Bullying Advice Service for freelancers and permanent staff. Film and TV Charity: filmtvcharity.org.uk | 0800 054 0000
If you work in journalism, the NUJ provides support and guidance for members. NUJ: nuj.org.uk
If you work in any other sector, or simply want to talk to someone: Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk
If you are a woman in England or Wales and want free legal advice specifically on harassment at work: Rights of Women: 020 7490 0152 (Mon–Wed, 3–5pm and 6–8pm)
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if a crime has been committed, call 999.
Consider your options for taking action
You may want to report what happened.
Within the organisation or production — if there is a named HR contact, a producer, or a senior figure not involved in the incident, a formal complaint can be raised. Ask for the process in writing.
Industry bodies — depending on your sector, bodies including BECTU, the NUJ, Equity, and others represent and advocate for freelancers. Even if you're not a member, some offer guidance.
ACAS offers free, impartial advice on workplace rights including harassment, and can help you understand what options you have. ACAS: 0300 123 1100 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
The police — if what happened constitutes a criminal act, including assault or stalking, you can report it at police.uk or by calling 101. You can ask to speak to a specialist officer.
Keep a record
If you haven't already, write down what happened: dates, locations, what was said or done, who was present. Keep any relevant messages or emails. This is useful regardless of whether you decide to pursue a formal complaint, and it can be important if you do.
You are not alone
Freelancers who speak up take a real risk, and that risk is not distributed equally, but the evidence is clear that harassment and discrimination thrive in environments where reporting is rare and accountability is low.
Whatever you decide to do, your experience was real and it matters.
Support is available, and asking for it is not wasting anyone's time.