Better conditions at work and better benefits.
BECTU members enjoy a range of benefits and services in addition to direct support in the workplace. Join BECTU
Membership provides access to BECTU Plus, a package of tailored discounts on products and services of value to members at work, home and leisure.
BECTU Plus: an additional benefits package for union members.
BECTU Plus
Guaranteed price promises on services including gym membership, airport parking, car insurance, books and tax returns, make the offer a must-see. Members should log in to access the BECTU Plus page (left) for more details. Contact us if you have a log-in query.
Established benefits and services
BECTU Plus sits alongside our established additional benefits and the latest information is summarised below. (The latest version of the Benefits and Services booklet is available to download from this page). Members who need to access the available services should log in and visit the pages highlighted left for more information.
How to become a BECTU member? Join online if you are freelance. Alternatively, download or request the appropriate application form.
Benefits summary:
BFI membership (save £5)
BFI Members are at the front of the queue for the hottest film tickets in London, enjoy exclusive access to members' events as well as a great package of discounts. Find full details at www.bfi.org.uk/join.
BECTU members can enjoy these benefits for only £35 (usual price £40) when they join at BFI Southbank or by calling 020 7928 3232 (11:30-20:30) quoting 'BECTU'. Members can continue to save £5 annually if renewal is done by direct debit.
The new BFI Library will open with free access at BFI Southbank in June 2012. Find full details at www.bfi.org.uk/library
(entry updated April 2012).
Collecting Societies
BECTU has special arrangements with collecting societies which collect and distribute monies to members for secondary uses of work. This applies to directors (via Directors UK) and to designers, animators and visual artists (via DACS).
Copyright
BECTU's experienced copyright consultant can provide quick, free and common sense advice to members. BECTU can also provide legal advice and representation on copyright matters.
Death Benefit
The next of kin of members with at least five years' continuous service, and who are members at the time of their passing, are entitled to claim a death benefit from BECTU.
Financial Services
Services include:
- Benevolent Fund which provides the possibility of grants to members in financial difficulty.
- See sections on Pensions and Tax and National Insurance.
Hearing Healthcare
Hearing healthcare discounts with Harley Street Hearing. Their audiologists offer advice and support on a range of hearing issues including hearing conservation. They also provide a hearing therapy service for those living with tinnitus.
Insurance Services
Aon: specialist insurance provider
£10M public liability insurance
From 1 May 2012 BECTU introduces an improved PLI policy for members - doubling the claim limit - and at lower cost for the year to 30 April 2013 (£21 instead of £23). More info here.
Insurance for small business
Aon Limited's Entertainment and Media Scheme is a policy offering additional cover for small business needs. Members can chose from insurance policies covering equipment and tools, employers' liability (compulsory if members employ other people), public and product liability, and buildings.
Professional indemnity insurance
Through Aon, BECTU offers access to professional indemnity insurance which protects against claims that allege professional negligence or incompetence.
Job-finding Services
BECTU does not find work for members, however the following assistance is available:
ProductionBase sponsored the Freelancers' Fair 2010. Pic: Rod Leon
ProductionBase is an industry network which provides one of the more reputable job-finding services. BECTU members can join at a discounted rate. Visit the PB site.
Crewbus is BECTU's online directory for freelance members in film, television, theatre and live events. Crewbus was relaunched in September 2010. Employers can search for crew and save their searches. BECTU will be actively promoting Crewbus to all its employers/employer groups.
Early Bird is a free bi-monthly listing of upcoming productions produced for freelance members. The listing covers independent productions and feature films. Members receive an email alert when the latest issue is published on this site.
Stage Jobs Pro is an online networking and recruitment site for theatre professionals, with 30,000+ freelancers and 3,000+ theatre companies sourcing staff and crew.
Stage Jobs Pro caters for those working in all fields of theatre - including stage management, technicians, set design, costume, lighting and sound. Members can interact with each other, create profiles, upload photographs and showreels and even make a free personalised website through our service. Jobs are posted regularly; employers can also search the database and contact users directly with offers of work.
Stage Jobs Pro offers a 50% discount on their monthly and annual premium membership to all BECTU members. BECTU members should login and select the Member Discounts page (find the link on the left hand menu) for more details.
Legal Services
Thompsons Solicitors only act for union members.
Employment matters: comprehensive service on all legal matters arising from employment including breach of contract, discrimination, unfair dismissal, equal pay, working time, monies owed, and redundancy. Advice and, where appropriate, full representation in legal proceedings.
Personal injury: BECTU members have cover for any accidents whether at or away from work; for members' families our service covers any accident away from work. Thompsons, the union's lawyers will assess possible legal cases and, wherever there is a reasonable prospect, pursue proceedings for compensation. This is a free service and unlike 'no win, no fee' arrangements, no legal fees are charged to members. The service also includes injuries sustained prior to joining BECTU, and accidents abroad as long as it is possible to sue in the UK.
Thompsons Solicitors sponsored the Freelancers' Fair 2010. Pic: Rod Leon
Other legal services include:
- 24 hour/365 day legal helpline. Offers free initial legal advice on all non-employment legal matters.
- Contract advice which is particularly suitable for freelance and casual workers.
- Free will-making service
- Access to Thompsons National Criminal Law Unit for members and their families.
PCR and The Knowledge
Publishers of PCR (Production and Casting Report) and The Knowledge are offering BECTU members a 15% discount on their directories.
PCR
PCR is a leading guide to auditions, castings, crew calls and production news across film, theatre and TV.
Along with breaking news and opportunities for film makers, PCR features cast and crew breakdowns and updates on a wide variety of projects, including million pound budget feature films, major television productions, West End shows, low budget films and fringe theatre. PCR subscriptions are payable via monthly DD or on an annual basis.
Login and visit Member Discounts for more details and access info.
The Knowledge
BECTU members can also claim a 15% discount on The Knowledge - The UK Production Industry Directory; the discount applies to all advertising in the directory and online.
Login and visit Member Discounts for access info.
Pensions
BECTU's own customised Stakeholder Pension is provided by Aviva and is monitored independently by BECTU and its financial advisers.
Press Passes
Members who have to identify themselves regularly (eg when working in public places with special emphasis on newsgathering and current affairs coverage) can apply via BECTU for a Metropolitan Police Press Pass. This service is only available to BECTU members. Contact Nancy Ackah, quoting your membership number, for more information. Passes are valid for two years and are renewable.
Script Registration Service
This provides an independent, dated registration of members' works which could be useful evidence in discussions or disputes about rights. More information here.
Tax and National Insurance
BECTU's Tax Guide for Freelances explains Schedule D and PAYE tax status. It includes the list of occupations accepted by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs as qualifying for Schedule D treatment.
BECTU has long and detailed experience of freelance tax issues. The union cannot act as accountants but has a track record of discussions and negotiation with HMRC on Schedule D and National Insurance status.
Tax consultant
Members have access to the union's tax consultant on detailed and technical taxation issues, including tax status, allowances, working abroad and VAT.
The products and services available through BECTU Plus are arranged and managed by Parliament Hill Ltd, Floor 3, 127 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BT.
The benefits and services summarised above are arranged by BECTU; full details of each service are available separately. Some services and products are only available to UK residents and/or to those aged 18 years or over, and some of these may not be available in all areas of the UK. Benefits and services are subject to change at the sole discretion of BECTU in accordance with decisions of the National Executive Committee and/or the BECTU Rulebook. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the above information, BECTU cannot accept liability for mistakes or any arising consequences.
