BECTU members enjoy a range of benefits and services in addition to direct support in the workplace. Join BECTU
New for 2010 is 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 at least £5)
Save £5 annually paying £35 instead of £40 (save £10 if you set up a DD) to receive the benefits of BFI membership which include priority tickets, special member events and discounts. BECTU members should join over the telephone on 020 7928 3232 (11.30 - 20.30 daily) and quote 'BECTU' to take advantage of discounted membership. BECTU members can also visit the Reading Room at the BFI Library, Stephen Street, London, free of charge (usual daily rate £5) on production of a valid BECTU membership card.
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
£5M public liability cover
BECTU members working freelance or on a casual basis can obtain £5million public liability insurance cover for an additional annual fee of £23 (top-up rate for 2010/11). New members receive this cover at no extra cost up until the April following their date of joining.
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:
Production Base sponsored the Freelancers' Fair 2010. Pic: Rod Leon
Production Base is an industry network which provides one of the more reputable job-finding services. BECTU members can join at a discounted rate.
Crewbus is BECTU's online directory for freelance members in film and television. Registered members have a listing on the current site. Employers can search for crew using a variety of criteria. Crewbus will be relaunched in 2010.
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.
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 staffed by BECTU's lawyers. 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
- BECTU offers access to Thompsons National Criminal Law Unit for members and their families.
Pensions
BECTU's own customised Stakeholder Pension is provided by Aviva and is monitored independently by BECTU and its financial advisers. The union also provides advice on collective and individual pension matters and advice in mis-selling cases.
Press Passes
Members who have to identify themselves regularly (eg when working in public places) 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.
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.
