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Fighting for freelance rights


Benedict Cooper on his role as Notingham branch’s freelance officer


should have a freelance officer such as Benedict Cooper, member of Notingham branch. Benedict has been a freelance


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for 10 years, writing mainly about business and politics, but will try his hand at most things, including at present some copyrighting which pays beter than his usual press work. Like many freelances, Benedict is having a difficult time. Since the pandemic hit, many of his employers have pulled up the drawbridge – freelance budgets are always the first to go during financial downturns. “It’s prety tough,” he said. “For the past decade it has never been easy freelancing, but to see it get even worse with no signs of things improving until well into next year has been very stressful.” Notingham branch is an active


and lively branch which this year has seen its membership rise and atendance at meetings increase to about 25 since business went


here are three major freelance branches in the NUJ in London, Edinburgh and Dublin and each branch


online. Te talk among freelances has been about the government’s support grants, particular those working under the PAYE system and others who found themselves falling through the cracks of the schemes. Photographers, who are increasingly working on a freelance basis, have also voiced problems about geting work and reported concerns about treatment by the police while working.


Benedict said: “I have found it a


comfort being able to discuss these issues with colleagues. By definition, being freelance can be isolating, siting alone working from home. Every month I have an opportunity to get together with others to swap information and news. Te social side is really nice, it does help knowing that it isn’t just you going through all this. In my role I am keen to increase my campaigning activity and Fair Deal for Freelances and promoting the Freelance Charter will provide that opportunity.” He has been involved in a number of campaigns in Notingham, including supporting


the local press. Te branch has discussed the NUJ’s News Recovery Plan and will be puting Fair deal for Freelances on its agenda. #FD4F is about seeking aid for freelances during Covid-19, but also proposes radical reform of the terms of employment and benefits for freelances.


Follow Benedict at @Ben_JS_Cooper and www.benedictcooper.co.uk


Put Fair Deal for Freelances on the


Action •


agenda – email campaigns@nuj.org.uk if you need help finding a speaker


Promote the Freelance Charter with local employers, business organisations, politicians and trades councils htps://www.nuj.org.uk/ documents/fair-deal-for- freelance-charter/


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CAMPAIGN


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