Half of UK freelance journalists offered less than 10p a word, new study reveals

Half of UK freelance journalists have been offered less than 10p a word for their work, according to the State of Freelance Journalism Report 2024 from Sheffield Hallam University and Freelancing for Journalists.

The survey of 401 freelancers found that three quarters (73 per cent) are unhappy with their earnings, and two thirds (64 per cent) have turned down work due to poor pay, yet most (79 per cent) remain committed to freelancing and a quarter attempt to negotiate on pay rates.

The report shows the two extreme ends of freelance pay: 85 per cent of respondents had seen offers at 20p or below. But at the top end, 55 per cent reported a rate of at least 50p per word and one in four had secured £1 or more per word.

Typical total income from all sources clusters between £20,000 and £40,000 a year, but 15 per cent earn less than £5,000. 

Lead researcher Dr Lily Canter says the findings show freelance journalism is "viable as a calling but fragile as a business," calling for fairer rates, faster payments, and better training to help freelancers thrive.

The NUJ and Journoresources track rates for freelancers.

This article was drafted by an AI assistant before it was edited by a human