Campaigner calls for end to unpaid work in the media

Last week a Canadian newspaper called for journalism students to do the work of its reporters in the event of industrial action.

Meanwhile in the UK, freelance campaigner Mark Watson entered the next phase in his campaign to end such practices, in particular employing journalists on an unpaid basis under the guise of work experience.

Watson, whose own background is in television work, last week submitted his proposals to the Low Pay Commission, which will release a report on working conditions in the media next year.

The dossier looks at a number of industries, but focuses on the media and the arts in particular.

"There is a huge amount of work that is illegally unpaid in many popular industries," Watson told Journalism.co.uk.

"It is simply unfair that a young person should be expected to work unpaid just because they have chosen to enter a popular career choice. There are many effects of this, not least that these industries become restricted to those who can afford to enter them via a period of unpaid work."

In his dossier, which has been read by Journalism.co.uk, he cites an article on Roy Greenslade's blog, numerous copies of job advertisements, substantial email evidence from correspondents, and copies of conversations which took place in the Production Base forum (where television work is advertised).

Among the evidence cited, one advertisement - typical of the others - reads:

"This is a work experience role, where expenses will be covered. Performance will be reviewed after 3 and 6 months, with a view to offering a full-term contract after that time."

One job advertiser, responding to an email from Watson, wrote:

"For your information minimum wage does not apply to the film industry."

Another said: "Yes, in an ideal world the position would be paid, however we have a £500 budget."

Adverts for work experience placed on Journalism.co.uk's own forum have also caused strong reactions.

With the submission to the commission, Watson hopes to 'highlight the issue', so that HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) will 'tighten up its procedures to ensure that everyone gets paid the minimum to which they are entitled.'
 
Watson believes that such a working culture has become prevalent in media jobs because 'employers know they can get away with using unpaid workers in this way'.

"People either do not realise they should be paid, or feel unable to claim. As a result employers can tap in to a steady stream of unpaid workers - and so do."
 
Young journalists feeling the pressure to work are advised by Watson to 'take the work and then claim the minimum wage you should have been paid'.

"It is all too easy for me, or people like me, to say you should not take work like this, however young people quite rightly seize any opportunity they can find," he explained.

"They are not the problem here - it lies squarely on the shoulders of employers, and HMRC for not enforcing the law."
 
To get involved in Watson's campaign join the discussion at the Watercooler.

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