The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) fights for the rights of all journalists, media and communications workers in the UK and Ireland.
Our members work across a diverse range of jobs – from reporting, writing, public relations, photography and editing to design, videography, communications and presenting.
Why join?
Some of the many benefits of being an NUJ member include:
- Pay and conditions: We negotiate individually and collectively on behalf of members.
- Collective voice: We have a voice in parliaments throughout the UK and Ireland and campaign on issues including media freedom and the safety of journalists.
- Representation and advice: We give support with issues including bullying and harassment, disciplinary and redundancy processes, and pursuing ethical journalism.
- Legal assistance: Our legal services include advice on copyright and intellectual property, support to protect journalistic sources and a 24/7 helpline for work-related criminal matters.
- Training and development: We offer product discounts, free training, networking events and development opportunities to our members.
- Press cards: We issue free press cards, including student press cards, to eligible members in the UK and Ireland.
Our campaigns include:
- Journalism before algorithms: We are calling for urgent regulatory oversight of artificial intelligence, urging respect for the copyright of journalists, including freelances, and promoting ethical approaches that centre the work of journalists.
- #ShowUstheMoney: Too many job adverts do not include the salary, and research shows this disadvantages women, disabled workers and Black and minority ethnic workers. It’s time for greater pay transparency.
- Let’s Stop SLAPPs: The UK and Irish governments must take action now to protect journalists and stop abusive lawsuits and intimidation of journalists to prevent public interest journalism.
Who can join?
We represent staff and freelance journalists working in the following sectors:
- Digital media
- Broadcasting
- Newspapers & news agencies
- Magazines, journals & books
- PR & communications
- Photography
Membership is open to copywriters, illustrators, front-end developers, coders, translators, journalism teachers and students as well as any staff at media companies where no other union is active.
How much will it cost?
The cost of full membership is based on your current annual earnings, while other types of membership have set subscription rates.
We offer five main types of membership:
- Full - For staff and freelances with no other full-time job
- Dual union - For those eligible for full membership and in a workplace where another union negotiates on your pay
- Temporary - For those trying to establish or re-establish their career in journalism
- Associate - For those with a full-time job outside journalism but who do journalistic work
- Student - For students on journalism courses and anyone involved in student journalism
Full membership rates are based on your annual earnings, ranging from £18.85/€22 to £32/€39. There are also special rates for lower paid members and under 25s joining for the first time.
How can I join?
Joining the NUJ is simple - just fill in our online form. You will need to know your current income (and how much of it is from journalism) and your bank account details.
If you are a staff journalist, you will need to provide a copy of your payslip.
If you are a freelance journalist applying for full membership, you will need to supply evidence of recent work, invoices for that work and a copy of the bank statement showing you were paid.