New Union Agreement for Engaging Crew on UK HETV Takes Effect

On January 1, 2023 the new Pact/Bectu TV Drama Agreement took effect in the UK. The agreement applies to all scripted TV produced in the UK by any independent production company, or non-UK production company engaging UK-based crew in the UK.

The new agreement follows months of tense negotiations between producers’ organisation Pact and broadcasting union Bectu, predominantly regarding best working practices and crew work-life balance.

The new agreement – which applies until 1 January 2026 – makes a number of key changes to the terms and conditions for engaging crew. Notable changes include: 

• Revised budget bands
• Uplifted bank holiday rates
• Changes to sixth and seventh days
• A new cap on split days
• Changes to the rounding increments and rates for overtime and penalties
• Changes to night work

The new agreement also makes significant changes to how overtime is accrued (introducing the new concept of an “additional contracted hour,” known colloquially as “10+1+1”).

For a detailed breakdown of the changes, check out our Pact/Bectu agreement summary.

And for more information on how EP can help you to manage the complexities of the agreement on your next UK production, please get in touch.