Freelances 08 Informed


Support our charter for self-employed rights


Jan is a freelance writer. She had a contract for a magazine column, a couple of newspapers gave her regular commissions and she sold her interviews of the movers, shakers and innovators in the business world. Te freelancing life suited her; she


was able to work around her childcare especially when they were young. Magazines folded and commissioning editors came and went, but she always found other work, even taking on some copy writing in the corporate world. But the pandemic stopped all that. Much of her work disappeared and now for the first time since being a student she is worrying about the bills. Fortunately, her partner is still working, but without her earnings things are tight. Te government was offering financial aid, but not to her. Jan’s plight is very similar to the


many members contacting the union’s freelance office saying: “I am running out of money and struggling to pay bills and rent. I’m anxious, sleepless and short of money. It’s made me realise that we are on our own. Te government doesn’t care about us.” Covid-19 laid bare the precarious position of a major section of the UK’s employed sector, particularly in the media where a third are freelance. Chancellor Rishi Sunak rode to the


rescue with a Covid-19 job support scheme which completely leſt out the self-employed. Following intense lobbying from trade unions he later followed up with the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, but so many


freelances found they fell through the gaps in both packages.


Te NUJ, TUC and other unions pleaded with the Chancellor to put things right. Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, and SNP Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, took up the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions. Boris Johnson’s non-answer came as a slap in the face to the self-employed without a safety net. Te problem has been the piecemeal employment law that leaves the self- employed vulnerable to employers placing them on unsuitable employment terms. Tey pay their taxes, but have no right to holidays, sick, parental or pregnancy leave. Te government- commissioned Taylor Review set out to explore the tax and employment rights of freelances, but its recommendations have been largely ignored. Te NUJ has urged the government to align the employment status framework with the tax status framework. Te severe hardship caused by


Covid-19 for the self-employed means this is a problem that must now be addressed. Te UK economy and the media sector are heavily reliant on freelances, so why are they geting such a shabby deal? Tat is why the union has launched its #FairDeal4Freelances campaign to seek redress and to ensure the right to protection and benefits is not dependent on employment status. Pamela Morton, national freelance officer said: “Te #FD4F campaign will continue to seek redress for those missing out on Covid-19 aid, and will fight for a radical reform of our rights.”


Join the campaign


#FairDeal4Freelances includes a charter of freelance rights which sets out the benefits the self- employed should also enjoy. It calls for the right to organise in a


trade union, to have a writen contract with fair terms and conditions, prompt payment and equal treatment at work in terms of health and safety. Freelances should get holiday pay, parental leave and allowances and a retirement pension. Tey should have the right to resist companies forcing them on to PAYE, to incorporate as a limited company, or work under umbrella companies. Te campaign will be asking employers, employer organisations, industry bodies, politicians and individual supporters to sign up to its aims. Pamela Morton, national freelance officer, said: “For too long the self-employed have been second- class citizens in the world of work. We’re only asking for a fair deal.” Te campaign will involve working with chapels to ensure that freelances and casuals have voting rights and full participation in union activities. Tey should be able to have a rep accompany them to disciplinary and grievance hearings, be included in voluntary recognition agreements and collective bargaining and offered workplace training. Freelances will agree not to cover for those taking industrial action. Branches will be encouraged to have


a freelance officer who can advise and represent freelance members.


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