If you work in the media and entertainment industries, then you should be a member of BECTU. We invite you to join us.
Freelances can join online now. 
BBC staff who wish to pay their subscriptions via the BBC payroll can complete this form and return this to the BECTU email address given. Alternatively, they can download the BBC-specific form attached to this page and return to BECTU by freepost.
Staff in all other sectors (see note below) can download our standard application form, also attached to this page, and return to us by freepost.
An image from the union's standard application form (updated May 2012).
Alternatively, you can ask us to post the appropriate application form to you.
Background artistes and staff working for BBC Contractors, Virgin Media and BSkyB should contact us to request a form by post. New entrants should visit this page.
The union's primary purpose is to promote the interests of those working in the sectors we have responsibility for. How do we do this? By organising the workforce and by using that influence to persuade employers to treat their staff fairly, be they employed or freelance.
Improvements to pay and conditions of employment (working hours, sick pay, holiday entitlement, and job security, to name but a few) and the proper protection of the workforce through a commitment to health and safety, equality and training define what BECTU is about.
BECTU has recognition agreements with a huge number of employers operating in the media and entertainment industries. From large scale employers like the BBC, ITV, the National Theatre or Odeon, through to smaller operations such as the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, or an animation workshop in Bristol, BECTU branches are working for their members.
In some cases our agreements are with groups of employers such as with the Society of London Theatre, SOLT, or the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, otherwise known as PACT.
Our recognition agreements define who we represent and give us the right to negotiate for staff and/or freelances covered by those agreements.
UK legislation gives everyone the right to belong to a trade union; we hope you will use that right by joining BECTU. We also encourage you to find out more about BECTU through your branch. We invite you to get involved in the union's work.
If you are a new entrant to the industry, and have recently graduated or completed a course of training, you may qualify for a special rate for your first year of membership. You can download the application available on this page and return it to us by freepost.
For queries about membership please contact our membership department on 0207 346 0900 or email membership@bectu.org.uk
BECTU also operates a Student Register for students planning a career in the media and entertainment sectors. Launched in March 2009, the Student Register is a contact scheme which aims to build on our good relations with students and their tutors. Registration is free. Students on the register will receive invitations to our events and useful information on a range of issues via a regular e-newsletter.
