Preventive screening can be a gamechanger in the TV & Film industry’s economic recovery
Like most industries, the TV & Film production industry was hit hard by the pandemic. According to a 2021 study conducted by ScreenSkills Assessment, 16% of TV & Film production staff in the UK exited the sector, yet 37% of employers did not recruit at all over 2020-2021.
The obvious health challenges presented by COVID-19, the long and often intense schedules, and the strenuous nature of many jobs in the sector mean that staff can suffer from exhaustion and burnout.
Because of this, and the challenges posed by long-term sickness and absenteeism, there has been an industry-wide push to address the root causes, and adopt a broader approach to the topic of health and wellness on-set. Productions face substantial costs when filming is delayed due to key personnel being ill, so there has been a willingness to be more mindful of staff’s health. One BAFTA-winning producer said to us, “I have had less sick days when everyone was conscious of their health”.
The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications, and Theatre Union (BECTU) has been campaigning for the industry to adopt shorter hours, provide across-the-board mental health support, and uphold the highest levels of health and safety.
However, to date, not enough attention has been paid to fostering better attitudes towards physical health, and encouraging healthier habits, including eating the right food and regular exercise.
This is exemplified by the industry’s existing healthcare provision. Large numbers of TV & Film production companies employ staff as freelancers, with many senior freelance staff having personal private health insurance, while most direct employees of studios are provided with a private healthcare plan. Regular medical presence on-site is normally limited to first aid and emergency response resources.
These health solutions are, by nature, reactive.
Long, and at times, unsociable working hours, mean that production staff often do not have the time to focus on their physical health, including finding time to attend GP appointments. The industry is crying out for a one-stop solution, that provides comprehensive, proactive health protection.
Regular, on-site health screening is one such tool that could play a transformative role in making this shift.
There is clearly a demand for these services amongst the working public. Recent research commissioned by Cignpost found that the over 70% of Brits are willing to take diagnostic tests to support their wellbeing, while just under half (42%) now expect their employer to conduct regular health screenings.
This change in attitudes is partly explained by what Is happening at a national level. The NHS is battling record waiting times, with over seven million people awaiting treatment, and struggling to access key services, contributing to the record high levels of absenteeism amongst UK workers.
By bringing these core health services to the client, Cignpost is helping industries that are heavily reliant on an in-person workforce, such as production companies, access healthcare via an alternative route.
For example, production staff who spend extended periods at their desks would benefit from monitoring their cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, helping them make changes in their lifestyle if any negative health markers are flagged. While staff who work on-set, and are exposed to the sun all-day, would benefit from on-site screening to monitor for skin conditions.
These early health interventions can help staff get ahead of any diagnosis, and alleviate physical health symptoms that can lead to delays to production. Cignpost recommend offering health screening days once every 6 months so staff can keep track, and get an accurate picture of their health.
In conclusion, any fit-for-purpose healthcare package in the production industry should include health screening. This shift in behaviours and attitudes towards proactive health interventions can contribute to the long-term sustainability of Britain’s film and television industry by encouraging healthy living, cutting absenteeism, and retaining talent.