The Sports Journalists’ Association, the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS) and Sports Media LGBT+ have joined the Football Writers’ Association in their fight to highlight the plight of the self-employed following the unprecedented switch-off of sport.
Many sports journalists are freelance, whose work and income has dried up instantly because of coronavirus. Their status as self-employed means many could struggle to receive any form of recompense.
FWA chair Carrie Brown has been in touch with several MPs, who have serious concerns about the measures taken to protect both rights and incomes.
The SJA, BCOMS and Sports Media LGBT+ endorse these efforts and add our voices to the call for protective measures from the Government.
We urge everyone who is a self-employed freelance sports journalist, photographer, broadcaster to tweet the following. The more noise we make, the more we will be heard.
- @dcms
- @tracybrabin
- @DrRosena
- @MimsDavies
- @redditchrachel
- @OliverDowden
- @CliveEfford
- @tracey_crouch
Yup. No income for foreseeable future. Joke is the government describe us as ‘employed for tax’ purposes under IR35 so contribute PAYE & NI yet not entitled to sick pay should worst happen. Not entitled to any benefits actually. Hundreds of ‘freelance’ broadcasters in same boat
— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) March 14, 2020
For anyone looking for general help and advice, then please get in touch with the following:
The FWA
Philippe Auclair (philippe.auclair.fwa@gmail.com ) who intends to formally constitute a group of freelance writers and broadcasters in order to provide a focal point for affected journalists to turn to in these unique circumstances.
Executive Secretary, Paul McCarthy (paul@maccamedia.co.uk)
The SJA
info@sportsjournalists.co.uk or @sportsja
BCOMS
@bcomstweet
Sports Media LGBT+
@sportsmedialgbt
Also, sports psychotherapist Gary Bloom has passed on his excellent advice on how to mentally reframe this period for freelancers at http://footballwriters.co.uk/editorial/invaluable-advice-from-gary-bloom/#.Xm5F17R3sJx.twitter
The full announcement on the FWA site is HERE