Ms Karan O'Loughlin:

I must address two issues. A response that we get frequently is that if we were to employ people in that way, we might limit their ability to do A, B or C. I have heard no ordinary worker in the film industry saying that he or she likes precariousness and is afraid that other approaches would limit his or her choices. The workers are clearly saying that the current system does not work for them. There are few people in the ordinary grades in the film industry – props, hair, make-up or wardrobe – could work for six months and, as a lifestyle choice, take the next six months off. It does not work that way. If one is working as a director who is highly creative and highly paid and moves around, perhaps one could do that, but it is not a possible lifestyle choice for the ordinary, everyday working grades.