There are many benefits to being an NUJ member.
Pay and conditions
It pays to be in the NUJ. In the past year – in deals that exclude collective pay awards – we have secured more than £5m for our members.
We provide advice and negotiate collectively on:
- pay deals
- freelance rates
- pension terms
- salary structures
- paid holidays
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.
- Journalists' rights: We support reporters in protecting their sources, photographers from having their footage taken by the authorities, and media workers from surveillance.
- Ethical practices: Our code of conduct sets the benchmark for responsible reporting and ethical behaviour across the media and public relations, while our ethics hotline offers confidential advice.
- Flexible working: We push for progressive approaches to flexible working and lobby for improvements to employment law.
- Ending the gender pay gap: We negotiate transparent pay structures, progressive work-life balance policies, better maternity and paternity deals, and fair recruitment procedures.
- Diversity matters: We fight to make the workplace socially inclusive and representative of the diverse society it serves.
- Press freedom: We stand up for your rights so you can have editorial independence and do your job safely and freely, without censorship from the state.
Representation and advice
We also provide individual and collective representation on issues including:
- disciplinary, redundancy and grievance processes
- bullying and harassment
- health and safety
- discrimination
- ethical journalism
Legal assistance*
Our legal services include:
- advice on all aspects of employment law
- 24/7 helpline for work-related criminal matters
- media law advice, including protection of sources and police seizure of journalistic materials
- free copyright and intellectual property advice
- workplace injuries cover, including accidents and disease
- personal injuries claims, including for your close family
- free 30-minute consultation on non-work issues
- fixed rate conveyancing service
- free online service for writing your will
- support with small claims process
- asylum and immigration advice
Training and development
- Free and discounted professional training
- Free trade union rep training
- Journalism workshops, masterclasses and events
- Networking opportunities, such as freelance forums and photographers' summits
Press cards**
- Free UK and Ireland press cards
- Free student press cards
- International press cards
Other benefits
- Support via NUJ extra for members and their dependants during hard times, subject to eligibility
- Discounts on products and subscriptions with Dell, Pixelright, Production Base and Society of Authors
- Free copy of The Journalist magazine
- Free newsletters including The Irish Journalist, NUJ Informed and NUJ Branch
Read more about this work on our 'Reasons to join' page or find out who can join.
* Legal assistance and financial support is available to full members only, with any exceptions for temporary or associate members at the sole discretion of the National Executive Council. Full members must have paid three months of subs or more.
** Full, temporary and student members only can apply for press cards, subject to criteria. An additional £100 fee is required for international press cards.