Branch July 2025


Applications for this year’s George Viner Memorial Fund close on 31 July. We need our industry to beter reflect the world we live in, with journalists from a range of experiences able to share their valued perspectives through their work. It is important branches play their part by including details of the Fund in communications.


C


uts announced by publisher Reach placing over 100 journalists at risk with 50 expected redundancies have come as a blow to


members, already grappling with increased workloads and uncertainty caused by seemingly endless rounds of cuts. As Officials engage fully with the consultation process supporting those of you impacted, we have stressed that artificial intelligence must not be deployed at greater use to fill vacancies. At the BBC, journalists face threats of compulsory redundancies that could prompt a ballot on strike action. As discussions with the broadcaster continue, journalists will value the union- wide solidarity I know our members have traditionally provided. Soon aſter Ireland’s Defamation (Amendment) Bill passed in the Dáil, we urged greater action on anti-SLAPP provisions. We know the abuse of legislation by those with deep pockets to intimidate journalists takes various forms, making missed opportunities deeply disappointing. On the topic of legislation, many of


you will have seen headlines in recent weeks about the Universal Credit Bill. Te Disabled Members’ Council’s engagement with members played a crucial role in ensuring our consultation submission reflected the views of those impacted by cuts. Read about their guidance to journalists scrutinising the cuts on page 6. Whilst concerted pressure led to some changes to proposed legislation, there is still


opposition to plans and we continue to engage actively through our Parliamentary Group. In a poorly judged decision by Bridget


Phillipson, UK education minister, funding for journalism course education has been cut for the 2025-2026 financial year. I wrote to the Minister to relay my


Tis month, I welcomed publication of the long-awaited review into the BBC’s How to Survive a Warzone documentary, making clear recommendations must now be seriously considered as part of next steps. Finally, I hope reps who joined the


Aid for Gaza


Journalists in Gaza need your help to do their job in desperate circumstances. Te IFJ is supplying vital equipment and aid. Please donate to its safety fund. Branches can email jackiec@nuj.org to transfer from their


management allowances. DONATE NOW


concerns, including on the harmful impact reduced pathways into journalism will have when needed more than ever. Every member of the union can help support our campaigning efforts by using the NUJ’s tool and template leter to write to your MP today.


artificial intelligence session in June found it insightful. Impacting all sectors within the union, our engagement with you on the subject will continue in coming months. As part of the NUJ’s wider recruitment and organising strategy, branch officers should have received notification of a summit for all branches on 13 September; do join the important online session. Tis month, hear from Anna Lamche, winner of the review category in the Orwell Society/NUJ Young Journalists’ Award on page 2, Roger Mckenzie, co- chair of the Black Members’ Council on anti-racism on page 4, and page 5 for information from Caroline Holmes, NUJ training co-ordinator, on why you should consider becoming a health and safety rep. I hope those of you taking some time away from work to spend with families and friends over the summer have a restful break.


Laura Davison


NUJ


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