New ISM report finds harassment and discrimination ‘endemic’ in music sector

Today the ISM has released a major new report: Dignity at work 2: Discrimination in the music sector. 

The report draws from the experiences of over 650 individuals who took part in an ISM Survey earlier this year. 

As part of its findings, the report states that since its last similar survey in 2018, the prevalence of discrimination and inappropriate behaviour in the music sector has increased. 

The ISM found that 66% of survey respondents said they experienced some form of discrimination while working in the music sector. 

The report’s key findings also include: 

• 78% of reported discrimination was committed against women.
• 58% of discrimination was identified as sexual harassment.
• 76% of workers within studio and live music event settings experienced discrimination, the highest level by type of work. 
• 88% of self-employed respondents did not report the discrimination that they experienced when working; for 94% of them, there was no one to report to.

The ISM is calling for the music sector to promote a code of practice and for the government to amend the Equality Act 2010 ‘to ensure that all those working in the music sector are protected’.

One anonymous survey responder in the survey said: ‘discrimination is endemic in the whole music profession’. 

Roger Wilson, director of operation, Black Lives in Music, said: ‘This report clearly shows the challenge ahead for the music industry in addressing the issue of discrimination in the workplace. 

‘The industry needs to acknowledge, review, and address its detestable systemic flaws. Equally, there is a crucial role to be played by the Government to review legislation and provide effective support for those victimised.  Both the government and the music sector itself need to play their part and help make the music industry a safe place to work for everyone.’

James Ainscough, chief executive of Help Musicians: ‘The depressing survey results in this report show starkly that there has not been the positive change we hoped for in the last 5 years. We need a shift in culture and this insightful report from ISM makes some practical recommendations towards that.

'The vast majority of us in the music industry long for a day when the Help Musicians Bullying & Harassment helpline is no longer needed, so we must work together with urgency to create an environment where discrimination, harassment and victimisation have no place.’