BROADCASTING Minister and Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, has ordered an inquiry into the obstacles facing women in the film and media industries.

She spoke out after a new survey showed that traditional working conditions in the industry - such as long hours, short-term contracts and unpaid holidays - hit women harder than men.

She will join with the Minister for Women, Baroness Jay, to see what can be done to improve the situation.

Mrs Anderson, whose responsibilities cover the whole of the film and broadcasting industry, spoke at the ninth annual Women in Film and Television Awards in London.

The survey produced by Women in Film and Television, called 'Working Conditions in the Film and Television Industry,' revealed that women's opportunities were heavily restricted and they frequently ended up in the more menial jobs.

Mrs Anderson said: "The survey published today highlights working practices which are not only worrying from a health and safety viewpoint for all members of the industry, but which place fundamental obstacles in the path of women trying to establish careers in these fields.

"Women are still more likely to have responsibility for child care or other family members.

"Long hours, unpaid holidays, low pay and short-term contracts are all practices counter to the policy that the Government has put in place to encourage equal opportunities for women who want to work.

"Women choosing to pursue a career in film or television will have to make hard choices. It appears that they, along with all members of the industry, may also be compromising their safety.

"I will be looking carefully at the survey's recommendations and I shall be writing to the main industry bodies to hear their response to the survey."

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