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A FIFTH of Britain’s estimated 70,000 journalists are paid less than £20,000 a year, figures showed yesterday — while employers pocket tens of millions in profit.
Despite falling circulations and plunging advertising revenues, profits are being protected and journalists — especially freelancers and those in the regional press — are paying the price.
Thousands of journalists have been made redundant, while those remaining have to soak up their work and suffer pay freezes and low wages.
A survey on pay was carried out by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
It revealed that many, particularly younger journalists, were struggling to pay their rent and bills.
Some said their pay was below the national minimum wage.
A number of freelancers said that they depended on tax credits, which they are about to lose.
“These findings are very worrying. While most journalists enjoy their job and get a buzz from their work, it is becoming evident that pay is a real problem, with many not being paid enough to cover their bills, never mind have a comfortable life,” said NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet.
