General / Cancellation fees for shifts
If a freelance has a shift or a day job cancelled, they should of course be compensated. Shorter notice merits more compensation: but they should charge the full fee in any case if they have turned down other work to fit the shift in.
The figures below are a guide to other cases - probably most appropriate to shifts on daily papers. A weekly should probably give more notice.
The suggested rates
Read me first! General / Cancellation fees for shifts: advice
See also: notes on negotiating rates for this work
See also: reported rates, to compare: General / Cancellation fees for shifts
Know a better rate? Tell us!
Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.
RATES: Cancellation fees for shifts |
||
---|---|---|
1-7 days' notice | 100.00% |
|
8-14 days' notice | 75.00% |
|
15-21 days' notice | 50.00% |
|
22-28 days' notice | 25.00% |
Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:



Text © Mike Holderness & previous contributors; Moral rights asserted. The collection (database right) © National Union of Journalists. Comments to ffg@londonfreelance.org please. You may find the glossary helpful.
The National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.
Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.