When you think about diversity and inclusion - the chances are that ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability are at the forefront of your mind when it comes to representation on and off screen.

However, there is an intersecting factor yet to be truly examined and acted on which also significantly affects someone’s circumstances, opportunities and chances of making it in this industry: socio-economic background.

Burnout, mental exhaustion and chronic stress are sweeping through the UK TV Industry workforce. In March 2023, an anonymous open letter to all UK broadcasters and production companies began to circulate on social media; calling for a set of clauses to be put in place to better support freelancers -  the group that often bear the brunt of overtime, budget cuts and tight deadlines. 

It’s clear from the letter, and recent findings from The Looking Glass report ‘22 and The Time Project that an intervention is needed that goes further than the occasional lieu days or tips on resilience and wellbeing.  

‘The road to meaningful disability inclusion at work feels like a long and bumpy one. Despite 83% of all acquired disabilities occurring in the workplace, the world of employment still struggles to open its doors fully to our working disabled population.’ - As our #DisabilityUnfiltered campaign draws to a close, Gritty Talent’s Remi Brand explores disability and employment in the UK TV industry, and the ways we can remove barriers to participation for the disabled workforce.

‘As a person who works in the UK media and who identifies as disabled, I am filled with optimism and belief that now is the time for big change - and we are seeing signs that it is happening.’ - Gritty Talent founder Mel Rodrigues explores her evolving understanding of disability, and how it has affected and shaped her career.