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.
Related Content