The UK’s biggest broadcasting union has passed an emergency motion about Love Island and The Jeremy Kyle Show.
The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU) have expressed their concern about how much support and care members of staff and guests get on reality shows receive.
They are keen for employers to “accept greater responsibility for the mental wellbeing of workers and participants”.
Read more: ITV urged by fed-up Jeremy Kyle viewers to find something better to fill the morning hole
Speaking on Sunday (19.05.19) at the union’s conference in Brighton, head of BECTU, Philippa Childs is quoted by The Guardian newspaper as saying: “Broadcast industry members, including TV and production staff, have put forward a motion following recent events in the TV industry around Jeremy Kyle and Love Island.
“These formats place a weight of responsibility on production staff and as such play a huge role in workplace stress, as they navigate dealing with vulnerable participants who we know also suffer.
“BECTU’s members include staff from ITV and the BBC, where it is the biggest trade union, as well as across the film and theatre industry. The motion was unanimously passed by the 200 BECTU conference delegates.
“This emergency motion will see us negotiate with employers to accept greater responsibility for the mental wellbeing of workers and participants as we mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
“It is much easier to take preventative measures than to put a plaster on things when the effects of stress take hold. It is also a question of maintaining dignity at work for everyone who contributes to TV and radio programmes.”
Last week, ITV chief executive, Carolyn McCall, announced that after 14 years on air The Jeremy Kyle Show had been axed amid the death of one of its guests, Steve Dymond – who is believed to have taken his own life following an appearance on the show.
She said in a statement: “Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show.
Read more: ITV confirms start date for this year’s Love Island
“The Jeremy Kyle Show has had a loyal audience and has been made by a dedicated production team for 14 years, but now is the right time for the show to end.
“Everyone at ITV’s thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Steve Dymond.”
Meanwhile ITV is reviewing the support offered to contestants after their stint on ‘Love Island’ following the deaths of former participants Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26.
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