Join NUJ London Central Branch
Why Join a Union?
Journalism can be precarious. Whether you’re staff or freelance, a union gives you:
Workplace Power
- Collective bargaining for better pay
- Protection against unfair treatment
- Legal representation in disputes
- Strength in numbers when negotiating
- Free legal advice on contracts
- Help with late payment issues
- Guidance on rates and rights
- Representation in disciplinary matters
- Free and subsidized training courses
- Networking with fellow professionals
- Mentoring opportunities
- Industry connections
- Connect with journalists facing similar challenges
- Share knowledge and support
- Build solidarity across the industry
- Join campaigns for better conditions
- A working journalist (staff or freelance)
- A photographer or camera operator
- A sub-editor or production journalist
- A digital content creator in journalism
- A journalism student planning a career in media
- Recently made redundant or between jobs
- ✅ Free legal advice on employment issues
- ✅ Representation in workplace disputes
- ✅ Contract checking and negotiation support
- ✅ Help with copyright and intellectual property
- ✅ Access to NUJ Training courses (many free)
- ✅ Branch-organized workshops and events
- ✅ Online learning resources
- ✅ Professional development seminars
- ✅ The Journalist magazine (bi-monthly)
- ✅ Rate cards and freelance guides
- ✅ Industry research and reports
- ✅ Template contracts and agreements
- ✅ Public liability insurance (up to £1M)
- ✅ Professional indemnity insurance
- ✅ Legal expenses cover
- ✅ Financial advice service
- ✅ Member forum (forum.nuj-lcb.org.uk)
- ✅ Video conferencing for meetings (convene.nuj-lcb.org.uk)
- ✅ Networking events
- ✅ Branch social gatherings
- Your name and contact details
- Your employer or freelance status
- Any questions about membership
- Official membership card
- Welcome guide to the NUJ
- Information about branch activities
- Access to member resources
- Join our member forum: forum.nuj-lcb.org.uk
- Attend the next branch meeting (dates on Events page)
- Introduce yourself in the welcome thread
- Check upcoming training opportunities
- Email: contact@nuj-lcb.org.uk
- Phone: [National office] 020 7843 3700
- Forum: Post in the “Joining Questions” stream at forum.nuj-lcb.org.uk
- Meet us: Come to our next open meeting (see Events)
Professional Support
Career Development
Community
Who Can Join?
You can join if you’re:
If you earn your living (or intend to) from journalism, you can join.
Membership Rates
NUJ membership fees are based on your income, making the union accessible to all:
| Annual Income | Monthly Fee | Annual Fee |
|—————|————-|————|
| Under £15,000 | £7.50 | £90 |
| £15,000-£19,999 | £11.92 | £143 |
| £20,000-£24,999 | £14.17 | £170 |
| £25,000-£29,999 | £16.42 | £197 |
| £30,000-£39,999 | £20.92 | £251 |
| £40,000+ | £25.42 | £305 |
Students: Special reduced rates available
Unemployed/Retired: Concessionary rates available
Freelancers: Pay based on average annual earnings
Payment can be made monthly by direct debit or annually.
What’s Included?
Your membership includes:
Legal & Advice Services
Training & Development
Publications & Resources
Insurance & Benefits
Community Access
How to Join
Online (Fastest)
1. Visit: www.nuj.org.uk/join
2. Fill in the form: Basic details and employment info
3. Choose payment: Monthly or annual
4. Select branch: Choose “London Central Branch”
5. Confirm: You’ll get a welcome email within 24 hours
By Email
Email contact@nuj-lcb.org.uk with:
We’ll send you a joining form and help with the process.
At an Event
Come to one of our events or meetings and speak to a branch officer. We can help you join on the spot.
After You Join
Welcome Pack
You’ll receive:
Get Involved
Find Your Rep
If you work in a unionized workplace, we’ll connect you with your chapel (workplace rep). If you’re freelance or in a non-unionized workplace, we’ll pair you with an experienced member who can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my employer know I’ve joined?
No, unless you tell them. Union membership is confidential. However, we encourage members to be open about membership – there’s strength in numbers!
I’m on a zero-hours contract – can I still join?
Yes! Many of our members are freelance or on precarious contracts. That’s exactly why union membership is valuable.
What if I don’t work in London anymore?
You can transfer to another NUJ branch anywhere in the UK or Ireland. We’ll help facilitate the transfer.
Can I join if I’m currently unemployed?
Yes. If you’re a journalist seeking work or made recently redundant, you can join at a concessionary rate.
I’m a student – should I join now?
Yes! Student membership is discounted and gives you access to training, networking, and job advice before you graduate.
What if I can’t afford the fees?
Contact us at contact@nuj-lcb.org.uk. We can discuss payment plans or hardship arrangements. Don’t let cost be a barrier.
Still Have Questions?
—
Ready to Join?
Or email us at contact@nuj-lcb.org.uk and we’ll guide you through the process.
Stronger together. Join NUJ London Central Branch today.