06 Informed


News Update


Freelance package offers hope


Covid-19.” And: “I’m a British freelancer based in Paris. We are in full lockdown. It’s hard to move without papers. In terms of my situation, I’m now desperate. I’ve lost €6,000 overnight, and that money was going to be keeping me alive.” Pamela Morton, freelance national


organiser, said: “Freelances had all but been forgoten, so we are pleased the Treasury has listened to us and our sister unions, as many of our members are desperate and facing a frightening future with all their work cancelled. We welcome the offer from the Treasury to look at the details and explain how the deal will work for members, but our concern is about how soon the funding will reach people.” While the package was largely praised


Te NUJ has welcomed the Chancellor’s new package for freelances affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but says the devil will be in the detail. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the


government will pay self-employed people adversely affected by the coronavirus a taxable grant worth 80 per cent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 a month. It will be open to anyone with an income up to £50,000, but only those who have a tax return for 2019 will be able to apply. Treasury officials have agreed to consult with the NUJ and sister unions on how the scheme will work. Te NUJ had lobbied hard for protection for freelances who had been leſt out of a deal whereby businesses would get grants to cover 80 per cent of their workers’ salaries. Te NUJ has called for sole


traders to be able to apply for the same loans as businesses and that thresholds for universal credit be dropped as many freelances are barred from applying because they have money put by to pay tax and other contingencies. Te government did agree to ask HMRC to defer its date to collect payments on account, due on July 31 and the next quarter of VAT payments. Te NUJ’s freelance office has been inundated with members who are already suffering. One said: “I’m a freelance photographer, most of my work is to some degree event-based and right now I can’t see anything in my diary. Overheads are going to continue though and I’m currently looking at outgoings to see what I can cut.” And: “I work as a freelance journalist/producer for a broadcaster who had booked me in for 23 shiſts in April. However, I expect the majority will be cancelled due to


as generous, it will not work for everyone. Te Chancellor claimed it would cover 95 per cent of the self-employed. Te main problem is that the Treasury has said it is unlikely to get money to people until June. Tis will offer litle succour to one member who told the NUJ: “I have been laid off from the newspaper I’ve been working for as a freelance sub for more than two years and I had seven shiſts lined up for April. I had work booked up to the middle of June and now I have none. “I will have money coming in to the end of April, assuming my outstanding invoices get paid. Ten nothing. “I can’t help crying – I don’t know how I’ll survive.”


Press cards rule Te union can report a positive meeting with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) about journalists’ rights to move about in pursuit of public interest stories. Michelle Stanistreet said the NPCC chair agreed that the press card would be sufficient proof of a journalist’s ID and that leters from publications would not be required. Freelances would also be respected in the same way as staffers.


Ana Jaks


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