NEP UK has defended its decision to only work with freelancers who are working through registered companies from 1st January.
The company has written to all of its regular freelancers to inform them they will no longer work with ‘sole trader’ freelancers.
NEP UK managing director Simon Moorhead told TVBEurope the company has been reviewing documentation it holds on suppliers in light of recent and upcoming regulatory changes.
“We have made a business decision to take a more consistent approach in 2020 to reflect the fact that a majority of the contractors working with us at the moment are engaged through limited companies,” he said.
“NEP has consistently held a great relationship with our contractors and will continue to do so into the future. The communication sent out will not change prospects with NEP in 2020 and there is no intent to narrow down contractor opportunities.”
Meanwhile BECTU has called on the company to meet with the union to discuss the changes.
“Freelance members have worked as sole traders in outside broadcasts for many years, and this wholly unnecessary change will cost them a lot of money,” it said in a statement. “NEP UK is a major OB company bringing a host of fantastic live events to our screens every year, with the help of an army of freelancers, and the last thing those dedicated workers need is a reduction in take home pay and a huge increase in admin.”
