… to the Bectu OB Branch!

This branch has been set up to reflect the needs of members working in outside broadcast and, with more effective representation, to address the growing list of bad experiences suffered by all those in this part of the television industry.

BECTU is the largest sector of the Prospect union with 46,000 of the 147,000 members. Such numbers give us a substantial voice and there has never been a greater need to use that voice, as members find their budgets squeezed from both ends. Inflation has depleted domestic finances and the OB companies constantly exert pressure to push terms and conditions backwards.

BECTU has already used its power to engage with various bodies to improve the way the workforce is treated. One example is IR35 tax status. Thanks to effective campaigning, HMRC finally recognised that TV should be treated differently from its main target for the legislation. Without BECTU, every freelancer would now be paying tax and National Insurance at source.

Another success for BECTU was the Return To Work guidelines, written in response to the devastating impact the COVID pandemic had on jobs in all areas of TV and film production. Those guidelines were also ‘copy and pasted’ by many other companies in completely different industries. BECTU helped the whole industry get back on its feet.

BECTU is both recognised and respected by the broadcasters, production companies and facility providers. All future successes can only be brought about by a strong membership. Encouraging others to join can only make us stronger.

Consider getting involved as a BECTU rep.

Don’t forget to take advantage of BECTU’s free training. Full details of all the available courses can be found here.

This OB branch website which will enable you, amongst many things, to anonymously report health and safety incidents, verbal or physical abuse and examples of a lack of equality, diversity or inclusion. These will be collated and reported back to the relevant companies by BECTU.

Being a member of BECTU is not just about cheap Public Liability Insurance!

We already have a voice that is heard – together we can shout a little louder.