Women in Film and Television launch Workline

Women in Film and Television has launched Workline, a new confidential employment advice website and helpline, supported by Skillset and the UK Film Council.

The free, confidential, nationwide service is available to anyone working in the UK film and television industry, including employees, employers, full and part-time workers and those who are self-employed

The service will be run by staff who have several years of human resources experience gained within the TV and Film industries. The service will be supported by employment law firm Goodman Derrick LLP.

The serviceís advisors can help with any work and employment related questions Monday-Friday.

Advice will cover the full gamut of work-related issues including contract issues, maternity and paternity leave and pay, flexible working hours, statutory disciplinary and dismissal procedures, redundancy pay, jury service, pensions, sickness and statutory sick pay, and equal opportunities questions.

UKFC chairman Stewart Till, who is also Deputy Chair of Skillset, is one of the driving forces behind the new service. I am delighted to be involved with Workline, which has been created in response to people in the film and television industry asking for confidential, independent HR advice. With an industry as rapidly changing as ours, a service such as this is as vital to employers as it is to employees and freelancers.. I hope this service will help everyone at some point in their careers.î

Janine Marmot, Director of Film at Skillset, said: ìSkillset is delighted to be supporting Workline, a free and confidential helpline which will offer invaluable advice on work related issues to all members of the film industry. Staffed by experienced industry professionals it will become an invaluable first port of call for all work related issues.î

Callers to the helpline are charged at 8 per minute, and are asked to leave a message and be called back. Queries will be answered within 48 hours wherever possible. The helpline is open Monday-Friday.

To contact the website or service, please contact: www.workline.org.uk or e-mail help@workline.org.uk or call 0870 850 7147.