Archive · 24 Jul 2025
UK Broadcasting Bodies Unite to End "Broken Turnaround"
Imagine working on a TV show.
Sometimes, you have to work really long hours, and then quickly get back to work.
This is called "broken turnaround."
The people who make TV shows, like the union Bectu and trade body Pact, are teaming up to stop this.
They want everyone to have enough time to rest.
They've already made some improvements since 2023.
Even though things are getting better, some workers still have this problem.
They are working together to make sure everyone can have a better work-life balance.
UK broadcasting union Bectu and producer trade body Pact jointly pledge to eliminate "broken turnaround."
"Broken turnaround" refers to requiring TV crew to return to work within 11 hours.
The pledge follows improved conditions since new agreements in 2023.
Research shows a 50% reduction in broken turnarounds on some shows.
Bectu research found about 40% of UK film and TV crew still face broken turnaround.
- Who
- Bectu and Pact are working together to address the issue. BBC Studios, ITV, and the Personal Managers’ Association are invited to a roundtable discussion.
- What
- UK broadcasting union and producer trade body pledge to eliminate "broken turnaround."
- When
- The joint statement was released recently. Agreements improving conditions were made in 2023.
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To improve working conditions and work-life balance for TV crew.
Production Companies
Crew and Union
Production Efficiency vs. Worker Wellbeing
Production Companies
Prioritize cost and schedule efficiency
Crew and Union
Prioritize worker rest and health
- Organizations Involved
- Bectu, Pact, BBC Studios, ITV, Personal Managers’ Association
- "Broken Turnaround" Definition
- Requiring crew to return to work within less than 11 hours.
- Agreements Improvement Year
- 2023
- Reduction in broken turnarounds
- Approx. 50% on some shows
- Crew facing broken turnaround
- 40% of UK film and TV crew