Misogyny in music: follow up

One year on from its publication, and having heard from key witnesses, we find that there remains an overwhelming case for the Government to implement the measures set out in our predecessors’ report to capitalise on the pockets of momentum that do exist in the industry and help produce lasting change for women in music. (Conclusion, Paragraph 10) Employment law and the Equality Act 2010

The Government should amend the Equality Act 2010 so that the protections relating to the prevention of third-party discrimination and harassment clearly include freelancers and those who are standing in (‘depping’) for another musician. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16)

The Government should amend the proposed duty on employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment (clause 19 of the Employment Rights Bill) to ensure freelancers are within its scope. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17)

The Government should amend the proposed new rights to protection from third-party harassment (clause 20 of the Employment Rights Bill) to ensure that they extend to freelancers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 18)

The Government should fulfil its commitment to bring section 14 of the Equality Act 2010 into force and do so by the end of the next parliamentary session at the latest. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24)

The Government should urgently bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the use of non-disclosure and other forms of confidentiality agreements in cases involving (a) sexual abuse, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct; (b) bullying or harassment not falling within (a), and (c) discrimination relating to a protected characteristic. Doing so would demonstrate decisive leadership by the Government that the silencing of victims of abuse will no longer be tolerated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) 26 Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority

We support the creation of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA). Crucially, it will be a single, recognisable body that anyone in the industry can turn to for support and advice. It is well placed to help effect cultural change in the industry once it is fully operational. It can only do so, however, if underpinned by the necessary legal provisions and sustainable funding. (Conclusion, Paragraph 49)

We agree with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s conclusion that, for it to operate effectively, the industry must see supporting CIISA financially and ideologically to be a fundamental part of operating in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 50)

We urge the Government to accept the recommendation from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee that: “All parts of the creative industries under CIISA’s remit should commit to unconditional, long-term funding within six months. In the meantime, the Government should explore all options for funding CIISA in case the industry does not deliver a voluntary solution, including having industries under CIISA’s remit be subject to a levy to fund its work.” (Recommendation, Paragraph 51)

CIISA has been several years in development. It is therefore surprising that discussions with Government over the necessary legal framework for it to operate effectively are still ongoing. The Government needs to demonstrate its full support for CIISA and get on with providing it with the legal assurances it needs to undertake its crucial work. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52) Maternity and the music industry

The Employment Rights Bill should be amended to bring Maternity Allowance into line with Statutory Maternity Pay. This would remove the inherent unfairness that means that, during maternity leave, women in employment can undertake unlimited self-employed work but restricts the ability for freelancers to do so for any more than their 10 keeping in touch days. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60) 27