Do I have to join BECS?

Posted on November 3, 2008

Do I have to join BECS if I am already a member of Equity?

Yes you do. British Equity Collecting Society (BECS) is a separate organisation and is the UK’s only collective management organisation for audiovisual performers. It represents the interests of its members in the negotiation and administration of performers’ remuneration throughout the European Union territories. BECS also administers artist payments on behalf of Equity and broadcasting companies. Artists have to sign up to BECS individually but this costs nothing and you can withdraw at any time – for more information please visit www.equitycollecting.org.uk

Will Equity find me work?

Posted on November 3, 2008

What is Equity doing about getting work for members?

Equity is a Union first and foremost and therefore our main function is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment. We cannot act as agents for our members.

However in addition to our core activities, Equity strives to provide a wide range of services for members which are continually being revised and developed. We appreciate how important finding work is for members and therefore launched the Job Information Service. This service publishes accurate, up to the minute breakdowns and vacancy information from across the industry. The service reflects both the diversity of the Equity membership and the range of jobs our members are employed in, including acting, dancing, singing, variety, circus, theatre directors and stage management. Equity members can use the service to find out about paid work and job providers can use this site to give us information about work opportunities free of charge.

If you have any queries regarding the service, please contact Tracey Stuart, Job Information Officer at Equity on 020 7670 0242 or e-mail jobinformation@equity.org.uk.

Equity has also launched online members’ directories which give members an opportunity to market themselves. For further information please refer to the main Equity website – www.equity.org.uk

TV is Changing • Equity