IMPORTANT INFORMATION: READ FIRST
One of the most frequent questions members get in touch with Bectu about is rates. Understandably, we all want to know whether we are being paid fairly in comparision to our peers.
It’s important to acknowledge that rates are a complicated part of the industry as we all follow our own career path as freelancers. On top of that, we have identified a lack of parity in two major areas: people from diverse communities often don’t achieve rates in line with industry averages, and those who work in production management roles (traditionally seen as female jobs) aren’t paid the same as their colleagues in editorial jobs who have the same amount of experience. Here we call out these practices, and this guide should give everyone the confidence to negotiate a fair rate and act as a de facto industry standard.
SOME BASIC STARTING POINTS
To keep this guide as simple as possible, the following applies:
Rates are for a FIVE day, 37.5 hour week.
Legally, no rate should ever include holiday pay if you are PAYE or a Sole Trader (aka Schedule D). But, you should specify that your rate is “plus holiday” to make things clear in your negotiation.
The exception: Those who operate as a Limited company; most add the equivalent of holiday pay into their rate (approximately 10-12%), but it cannot legally be called “holiday pay”.We aim to issue a separate guide on pensions, but both PAYE workers and Sole Traders are eligible to “opt-in” to private pension schemes that involve the company also making a small contribution from Day 1 of a contract starting (subject to certain conditions being met).
ADVICE FOR NEGOTIATING
Don’t feel you have to give your rate when asked in an interview, but if you do, make sure you are prepared for the answer and are not caught off guard.
When you negotiate a rate during a verbal conversation, it’s worth following up with an email outlining what you agreed, e.g. “Many thanks for your time, and to confirm, my rate is £XYZ for a five-day week, plus holiday.
This guide will give you a fair idea of the minimum rate you should be achieving with your experience, but if you are being offered lower, don’t be afraid to politely push back and explain that it’s below the Bectu minimum recommended rate. If you are still struggling after that, if you are a member, you should contact the UTVU Organising Official by calling the Bectu switchboard on 020 7346 0900.