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Latest Covid-19 lockdown advice


As the UK and Ireland started 2021 in full lockdown mode, branches will be needed more than ever to help their members during these difficult days


the Press Gazete at least 19 UK journalists have died of coronavirus. News gatherers will continue to be categorised as key (or essential) workers. Make sure you carry your press card. Te exemption from quarantine regulations has been dropped (hopefully temporarily). Te NUJ’s Covid-19 website


M


page [www.nuj.org.uk/work/ covid-19-information/] provides information on NUJ contacts, the latest government advice, legal briefings from Tompsons solicitors and advice on how to report the pandemic. Te union has provided training and webinars for members and reps on dealing with the effects of working during the pandemic:


Fair Deal for Freelances So far, our lobbying of the Chancellor to make up payments to freelances who have fallen through the cracks in the Covid-19 schemes have fallen


embers are asked to keep safe and follow government Covid-19 rules – according to


on deaf ears, but we will continue to press. Meanwhile, freelances are still waiting for the next payment tranche arrangements due at the end of the month. Te union is asking branches to use their contacts to lobby the government to maintain the £20 a week upliſt in universal credit scheduled to end in March.


Domestic abuse


Cases of domestic abuse have increased since the various Covid-19 lockdowns. Branches can use the UN’s “10 ways you can help end violence against women” guide [bit. ly/3bSG9PV] and the NUJ website gives information on helplines and FAQs [bit.ly/38Vqjlv] to help on reporting the issue and directing members to professional aid.


NUJ Extra Te union’s welfare charity is supporting members who find themself in financial difficulties because of the pandemic. Make an application or branch donation on the NUJ website: www.nuj.org.uk/ work/nuj-extra/


Brexit


Since the UK and EU agreed a deal at the 11th hour in 2020, many aspects of how it will affect media workers living in the UK and members resident in EU countries remain unclear. Journalists who need to travel from the UK to the EU to work, unless it is for a meeting or for atending a conference, should check whether they need a visa or a work permit as rules will vary from country to country, although some do make exemptions for journalists. Check the government website: www.gov.uk/working-abroad and www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1- january-2021


Te NUJ’s Continental European council believes members resident in continental Europe will not have an automatic right to work in other EU states. Check for clarifications and updates on the NUJ Covid-19 website page.


COVID-19


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