Census 2006 Shows Changes in TV and Interactive Media Sectors
New research published by Skillset shows employment levels in the TV industry have experienced significant changes over the last two years, with the cable and satellite sector enjoying a period of growth compared to a decrease in the terrestrial TV workforce following job cuts at the BBC and ITV. The results also highlight low levels of diversity in the workforce with representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people relatively unchanged since 1999.
The results of Skillset's biennial Employment Census of the audio visual industries show that terrestrial TV now employs almost 3,000 fewer people than in 2004 with a workforce of just under 21,000. Conversely the smaller cable and satellite sector has increased greatly in recent years to over 13,000 people. The new jobs created are mainly acquisitions, sales and legal roles as opposed to traditional production posts.
The Census also recorded a small employment drop in Interactive Media, the largest sector surveyed employing more than 48,000, which saw a decrease of approaching 5,000 in the web & internet workforce. This decrease can likely be attributed to the swell of in-house roles across all UK industries resulting in less business for specialist agencies. Overall the sector remains one of the healthiest.
Carol Varlaam, Former Head of Corporate HR Planning at the BBC and Chair of Skillset's Research Committee, said:
"Now in its 6th year the Census is an invaluable piece of research for the industry. It's a pulse check that highlights the size, shape and make up of the workforce, charting emerging trends. The information is vital for Skillset which uses this industry snapshot to target its work, helping tailor skills and training initiatives and direct investment effectively."
Over 2,500 companies took part in Skillset's Census held on 12 July 2006 and surveying employers across the television, radio, animation, facilities, interactive media, commercials, corporate production and all film sectors apart from production.
Download the full report at: www.skillset.org/research
Indies and commercials employ most freelancers.
27% of the workforce were working freelance on Census Day. Including those who were not working on Census Day, it is estimated that up to half the actual available labour pool is freelance.
Levels of freelancing vary from two thirds of those working in commercials production (68%) and over half in independent production (57%), to fewer than two in ten in cable and satellite and the interactive media sectors.
Freelancers make up over six in ten of the workforce in some occupations: runner (69%), make up & hairdressing (68%), camera (65%), special physical effects (64%) and lighting (63%). Roles with under 10% freelancers are: broadcast engineering (5%), interactive or games business (6%), interactive or games operations (9%) and television broadcasting (9%).
John McVay, Chief Executive of Pact, said:
"These results underline the importance of the work Skillset does to support and develop the skills and talents of freelancers. With production output decreasing at the Broadcasters more freelancers are now working in the Independent Sector and investing in their training and development via Skillset should remain a continuing priority for the whole industry."
Employers across the audio visual industries invest in Skillset to support freelancers. Skillset uses this investment and other public monies to fund a variety of courses enabling freelancers to access skills development at a discount of the full cost, offers bursaries direct to individuals and provides a professional, impartial careers advice and information service. To find out more visit: www.skillset.org/funding/freelance/
Women make up 38% of the workforce
The overall representation of women has again remained unchanged at 38% compared with 46% in the whole UK economy (Labour Force Survey, October-December 2006).
Terrestrial TV has the highest proportion of women (50%). Broadcast radio, film distribution, independent production and cinema exhibition are just under 50%. Lowest representation is found in processing laboratories (5%), computer games (12%) and post production (21%).
Women make up the majority of the workforce in make up and hairdressing (87%) and costume and wardrobe (87%), but a small minority of those working in camera (16%), broadcast engineering (15%), cinema projection (13%), lighting (8%) and processing laboratories (5%).
Ethnic Minorities still missing in the media
Representation of ethnic minorities has increased slightly to 7.4%, from 7.0% in 2004. By comparison, 7% of the population of working age in the UK are ethnic minorities. However half the industries' workforce is based in the capital where the proportion of ethnic minorities of working age is higher at 24% (Labour Force Survey Quarterly Supplement, Summer 2004).
Cable and satellite, processing laboratories and cinema exhibition employed above average proportions of ethnic minorities. At the other end of the scale, ethnic minorities represent 5% or less of the workforce in animation, computer games, offline multimedia, studio & equipment hire, special physical effects and film distribution.
Highest representation of ethnic minorities is among processing laboratory staff (19.0%), with cinema cleaners (17.4%) and other roles in cinema exhibition also high. Studio operations (16.4%) and transmission (12.5%) have also both seen a positive increase since 2004.
Representation of disabled people decreases
Overall, the reported proportion of disabled people employed in the industry has decreased slightly from 1.3% in 2004 to 1.0%. Employees are more likely than freelancers to have a disability (1.2% and 0.7% respectively).
Clive Jones, founder of the Cultural Diversity Network (CDN), said:
"It's clear from Skillset's research that the industry needs to step up a gear in its efforts to employ a diverse workforce. Right now that workforce doesn't resemble the rich mix of people that make up today's UK cinema goers, TV viewers, game players and digital technology users. To remain relevant and appealing to a culturally diverse society the audio visual industries has to reflect its consumer base. The Census shows little change over the last 5 years for women, ethnic minorities or disabled people. Fast forward another 5 years to 2012, a year in which the UK will be under an international spotlight, and will Skillset still be reporting the same stagnating, low levels of representation?"
Skillset is working with the industry to increase diversity establishing more skills and training initiatives with structured entry routes into the industry and offering careers information and advice and bursary support to individuals from under represented groups. For more information visit: www.skillset.org/diversity
London work base for almost half the industry
Nearly six in ten (57%) of the workforce work in London or the South East. Three in ten in the other English regions combined and just over one in ten are employed in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: 020 7713 9812 rajivm@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector. For more information visit: http://www.skillset.org/
2. The Skills for Business network is made up of 25 Sector Skills Councils - each one is an employer-led, independent organisation. The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) underpins the network and is responsible for funding, supporting and monitoring the SSCs.
