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Deficit looms for union as budget planning starts


The NUJ could go into deficit of more than £750,000, the new chair of the union’s finance committee has warned its ruling national executive council (NEC). Professor Chris Frost said in an information


guide for NEC members that if current staff vacancies were not filled, the deficit by the end of 2020 would be £440,713 and, if people were hired to those posts, the shortfall would rise to £765,433, assuming an inflation rate of 2.4 per cent. The warning came after the


NEC failed to win sufficient support for an increase in subscriptions at the biennial delegate meeting in April. Any increase in subscriptions requires a majority of two thirds in favour. Some delegates had argued against an increase, saying that the rise would fall disproportionately on lower paid members. The union’s headquarters recently


underwent a £2.3 million refurbishment with a view to letting out office space to other organisations. That space has now been let


although the occupants are on low or rent-free introductory periods. However, Professor Frost said that even


when full rent was being paid for the space, that money would only deliver between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent of the union’s total income. There are vacancies for an


organiser in both Scotland and Ireland and in the magazines, books and PR department. At present Scotland is covered by


just one officer, as is magazines, books and PR and Ireland by two officers.


The union is stepping up recruitment efforts to try to


increase income. Budget planning for the next financial year,


which starts in October, is under way. Professor Frost said: “The NEC will need to


consider carefully how it wishes to proceed over the next few months after the budget committee has presented its proposals and that requires all members to take the union’s future seriously.”


“ Life membership for Kevin


Members of the Derby & Burton branch have celebrated the NUJ life membership of Kevin Palmer (centre), following 46 active years in the union. They paid tribute to a man described as the linchpin of the union in the east Midlands. Now a freelance, Kevin worked for regional newspapers including the Derby Evening Telegraph and Birmingham Daily News. Midlands NEC member Di Peasey (right) presented his certificate and Chris


Morley, Northern & Midlands senior organiser (left) said: “I know just how much the NUJ means to him and especially how important it is to have his union milestone recognised for what it is – a truly inspiring record of dedication, integrity and solidarity to his fellow journalists.”


Buzzfeed UK rejects NUJ representation


Journalists at Buzzfeed UK voted overwhelmingly not to be represented by the NUJ following 18 months of campaigning by union activists for recognition and by the company against union representation. Out of a 29-strong bargaining unit, only four journalists voted for recognition. The NUJ Buzzfeed chapel said: “We were disappointed to hear the result, though not entirely surprised. We first


asked management for recognition more than 18 months ago after months of organising At that point, there was enormous enthusiasm among BuzzFeed UK employees for a stronger voice in the workplace and a collective push for improvements. “But, following heavy redundancies over the winter and a series of departures since, the make-up of the staff has changed.”


The NEC will need to consider carefully how it wishes to proceed over the next few months and that requires all members to take the union’s future seriously


inbrief...


MPS LIKE STANDARD, TIMES AND GUIDO The Evening Standard and The Times are the most popular newspapers with UK MPs, according to a Comres poll. The most popular print journalist was Daily Mail columnist Quentin Letts. Guido Fawkes was the most popular blog.


TELEGRAPH INCOME AND PROFIT DOWN The Telegraph’s revenues fell by £17.5 million last year to £285.7 million while pre-tax profits nearly halved to £13.7 million. However, digital subscription revenue jumped 30 per cent. The Telegraph said that it has more than 2.5 million registered customers. However, it has not disclosed how many of them pay to access content through its partial paywall.


30 YEARS FOR HIGHLANDS BALL Charity event the Highlands and Islands Press Ball marked its 30th anniversary by reaching a total of £100,000 in donations. The occasion attracts 250 media professionals, politicians and heads of public and private organisations. This year, it raised £5,000,


TICKLE WINS GRANT FOR COURT RESEARCH Journalist Louise Tickle, a specialist in child protection and the care system, has been awarded a grant from the Paul Hamlyn Ideas and Pioneers fund to research ways in which secret family court processes can be better scrutinised. If you have an interest in the subject, please email louise@louisetickle. co.uk.


NEW EDITOR AT NURSING STANDARD Nursing Standard has appointed Lynn Eaton as its new editor. Eaton is joining the monthly trade magazine from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, where she was the editor of their Frontline magazine.


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