Menu
10/07/2012
Tory MP Criticises BBC Over Freelance Pay Scheme
A Tory MP has claimed that the BBC has ordered its freelancers to set up their own service companies so the corporation can avoid paying national insurance contributions.
Daniel Kawczynski claims the BBC ordered freelance staff earning more than £10,000 a year to invoice through a third-party company for fear HM Revenue and Customs could rule many of them were working long enough hours for the corporation that they should be treated as full-time employees, a move he described as “highly deplorable”.
Speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, Kawczynski said: "What these employees are being told, some of whom have worked for the organisation for many years, is that if they do not set up their own companies and invoice the BBC through these companies, their contracts will be terminated.
"I find that behaviour staggering and highly deplorable."
Margaret Hodge, chairman of the public accounts committee, will investigate the change in policy, which came to light after a university friend of Kawczynski wrote to the MP complaining about the practice.
Kawczynski went on to say that parts of the BBC should now be privatised, as he urged ministers to "think the unthinkable".
(H)
Daniel Kawczynski claims the BBC ordered freelance staff earning more than £10,000 a year to invoice through a third-party company for fear HM Revenue and Customs could rule many of them were working long enough hours for the corporation that they should be treated as full-time employees, a move he described as “highly deplorable”.
Speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, Kawczynski said: "What these employees are being told, some of whom have worked for the organisation for many years, is that if they do not set up their own companies and invoice the BBC through these companies, their contracts will be terminated.
"I find that behaviour staggering and highly deplorable."
Margaret Hodge, chairman of the public accounts committee, will investigate the change in policy, which came to light after a university friend of Kawczynski wrote to the MP complaining about the practice.
Kawczynski went on to say that parts of the BBC should now be privatised, as he urged ministers to "think the unthinkable".
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2012
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
16 December 2003
Freelance working ban imposed to maintain BBC 'impartiality'
The BBC have announced major changes to the guidelines covering the circumstances in which BBC journalists, presenters and freelancers can write regular columns for newspapers and magazines.
Freelance working ban imposed to maintain BBC 'impartiality'
The BBC have announced major changes to the guidelines covering the circumstances in which BBC journalists, presenters and freelancers can write regular columns for newspapers and magazines.
04 May 2004
Union claims freelance victory at BBC
Freelancers in the BBC's Natural History Unit have won the right for Bectu to bargain on their pay and conditions. In a postal ballot run under new labour laws governing compulsory union recognition, all but three of the freelancers participating voted for Bectu to represent them.
Union claims freelance victory at BBC
Freelancers in the BBC's Natural History Unit have won the right for Bectu to bargain on their pay and conditions. In a postal ballot run under new labour laws governing compulsory union recognition, all but three of the freelancers participating voted for Bectu to represent them.
27 November 2003
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
29 April 2004
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
