Computer games home

BECTU is the union for the broadcasting, audiovisual and entertainment industries in the UK and is recognised as the appropriate union to cover the games industry.

It comprises more than 26,500 members, two-thirds of whom are permanently employed and a third freelances.

Background

The union has a long and established history of advising members on a range of work-related issues and successfully negotiating increases in pay, holiday and maternity/paternity entitlements, and better working hours and conditions.

Where it is recognised, BECTU can collectively negotiate terms and conditions on behalf of company employees, freelances or those on fixed-term contracts.

The union’s expertise is especially important in grievance and disciplinary situations and when companies are considering making workers redundant.

Benefits and services

BECTU offers a significant number of benefits for members including free contract, tax and legal advice, training and education courses, and a range of financial and insurance services.

One of the union’s most popular services for freelances is our public liability insurance cover worth £3m which, in the marketplace, would cost between £250-350 per year to buy but members can obtain for around £20 annually.

BECTU has five offices around the country and employs approximately 60 staff, including professional negotiators and officers who specialise in legal services, training and education.

BECTU also engages the services of Thompsons, the largest firm of employment lawyers in the country with 23 offices nationwide. Annually Thompsons wins over £1m in compensation claims for BECTU members.

Skillset is the leading government-backed training provider for the games/interactive sector and BECTU is closely linked with it, having a seat on its board and representatives on all its sub-committees, including the computer games sub-committee.

In other words, the union has real power to influence the decision-making processes governing the games industry.

BECTU also lobbies government in the UK and Europe on behalf of its members and has close links with creative industries overseas.

Member benefits

BECTU members enjoy a wide range of services and benefits, which include:

• Representation for individual members in grievance and disciplinary situations
• Action against discrimination and bullying at work
• Free legal and professional advice and, where appropriate, free legal representation – BECTU wins members more than £1 million a year in compensation
• Debt collection should you have trouble getting paid
• £3 million worth of public liability insurance cover for freelances
• Guidance on tax issues
• Advice and action on health and safety and welfare issues
• A whole range of financial and legal services for you and your family.

Why you need to join!

BECTU has an important role to play in the development of the computer games industry but it can only work with support from those within it.

By working together the union has a better chance of making a bigger difference.

Joining us is easy. Simply fill in the online application form or call our membership department on 020 7346 0900.

If you have any questions, you can email us at gaming@bectu.org.uk

Take a positive step towards improving your life at work.

Join BECTU today.