BECTU provides a range of benefits and services for its members. A summary is provided here and a booklet is available to download from this page.
Members should login to view further details in the related pages which also contain access information.
Download the booklet from this page.
To become a BECTU member, join BECTU online if you are freelance or download the appropriate application form.
Discounts and Special Arrangements
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 at the time of their passing, are entitled to claim a death benefit from BECTU.
Discounts and special arrangements
These include discounted membership of the BFI (British Film Institute) and NFT (National Film Theatre). Membership provides a wide range of benefits, including discounts on NFT tickets, on the annual BFI Handbook and on subscriptions to Sight and Sound. BECTU members can also access to the BFI library on request.
Other benefits include:
- discounts on car hire via National Rental Car
- discounts on gas and electricity via Union Energy
- discounts on tickets at regional theatres
- discounts on holidays through arrangements with Stewart Travel Ltd.
Financial Services
Services include:
- BECTU Mastercard provided by Halifax Bank of Scotland and endorsed by the TUC.
- 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. 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.
Motor insurance
Aon Limited arrange a motor insurance policy with BECTU members in mind. Many members have in the past found difficulty in obtaining cover, because of insurers' attitudes to the entertainment sector.
Professional indemnity insurance
BECTU offers access to professional indemnity insurance which protects against claims that allege professional negligence or incompetence.
Travel insurance
Annual cover includes worldwide and winters sports cover as standard.
Home and contents insurance
Competitive quotes available.
Job-finding Services
BECTU does not find work for members, however the following assistance is available:
Broadcast Freelancer and Production Base: special discounts for BECTU members on these services for freelances. Services include diary management, CV support, job finding, training and careers advice.
Crewbus: BECTU's own online directory for freelance members in film and television. Members can apply for a listing on the current site. Employers can search for members using a variety of criteria.(nb Crewbus will be relaunched in 2009).
Early Bird: Free periodic listing for freelance members of upcoming productions, especially covering independent television production and feature films. Distributed on request either by email or by post.
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.
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.
- Low-cost, fixed-fee conveyancing for BECTU members and their families.
- 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 provided by Norwich Union and monitored independently by BECTU and its financial advisers. The union also provide advice on collective and individual pension matters and advice in mis-selling cases.
Press Passes
Members who regularly have to identify themselves (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
Provides an independent, dated registration of members' works which could be useful evidence in discussions or disputes on rights. Contact: Script Registration Service home page
Tax and National Insurance
BECTU's freelance tax guide explains Schedule D and PAYE tax status. It also includes the list of occupations accepted by the Inland Revenue as Schedule D.
BECTU has long and detailed experience on freelance tax issues. The union cannot act as accountants but has a track record of discussions and negotiation with the Inland Revenue on Schedule D and National Insurance status. Our accountants offer audited accounts and tax returns to members at discount.
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 benefits and services set out here are applicable to BECTU members.
This is a summary and full details of each service are available separately.
There are some services and products, particularly financial, that 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 BECTU's National Executive Committee and/or the BECTU Rulebook. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the above, BECTU cannot accept liability for mistakes or any arising consequences.
