A new report from University of Nottingham experts, which presents new in-depth research on working conditions for ancillary workers in the UK television industry, has identified a range of human rights risks related to their conditions and experience.
The Every Role Matters project, is the first collaboration between industry and academia focused on improving working conditions and tackling exploitation for cleaners, drivers, caterers and security workers, in UK TV production.
The paper, co-authored by Dr Jack Newsinger and Dr Nina Willment of the University of Nottingham's Institute of Screen Industries Research (ISIR), with Amelia Knott of the TV Industry Human Rights Forum (TVIHRF) – whose members include Sky, ITV, Channel 4, BBC Studios and NBC Universal – aimed to make visible and address systemic risks of exploitation and modern slavery among these ancillary workers, using both a quantitative and qualitative approach.
This project is a landmark in providing greater understanding of both the strengths and weaknesses in this often unseen and overlooked part of the television industry supply chain. Ancillary workers work incredibly hard often in difficult circumstances. While many report satisfaction with their work, there are a range of issues that need to be addressed. Exploring these through a human rights lens allows us to clearly identify what needs to be done to ensure fairness and dignity in the sector."
The report, which surveyed 64 respondents representing security (26), driving (25), cleaning (10) and catering (3), identified problems and weaknesses in the sector, but also highlighted many positive aspects to the work of this vital but often 'left-out' group. The results are intended to offer insight for actionable, positive change, for both broadcasters and production companies in UK TV.
The team built lived experience into the project design, delivery and analysis by recruiting and training peer researchers (from cleaning, driving and security) directly from the ancillary workforce. The co-produced research methods included a quantitative survey, interviews and workshops, together with structured industry collaboration through the TVIHRF members to identify risks and practical approaches to embedding solutions.
Findings are classified into three distinct categories with one stand out significant issue – that exhausted drivers on sets are carrying passengers in unlicensed, poorly maintained and uninsured vehicles – requiring immediate attention.
Other problematic issues highlighted, include: a lack of basic amenities, problematic payments, long shifts and lack of rest days, and a failure to address issues raised by ancillary workers. However, the research also identified some good practices, demonstrating that they are possible, including fair working conditions, safety, practical issues, and inclusion and recognition.
"We have found that ancillary workers value many of the same things that other TV workers value: respect, being part of the glamour and creativity of the TV industry. We hope this report can be a catalyst for change and help improve conditions for these important workers."
The research builds on a 2020 report from the TV Industry Human Rights Forum that explored labour rights of ancillary workers in UK TV productions, which was qualitative in nature and identified a range of labour rights issues. The 2025 research Every Role Matters uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a baseline against which to measure future progress. It includes a set of practical recommendations for broadcasters and production companies to address the risks identified.
Amelia Knott, of the TVIHRF, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the insights provided by our peer researchers on this project, who generously shared their networks and own working experiences. These are hard-to-reach and hard-to-research groups but we hope that this report makes them more visible to the organisations in whose supply chains they work."
