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NUBSLI Minimum Fees Structure FAQs
Why do we need minimum fees?
There are currently two major threats to our profession:
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A new National Framework Agreement, being worked on now and
expected to start from early 2015. Decisions are being made about
how much interpreters should get paid without consultation with Deaf
people or interpreters. A draft of the National Framework Agreement for
Interpreting Services by the CCS, which included Level 1 BSL as an
acceptable standard, is glaring evidence of a profound lack of
understanding of BSL/English interpreters’ qualifications and the role
they undertake. There can be little doubt that this large contract
tendering process is ultimately a cost-saving exercise which will directly
impact on both BSL/English Interpreters and the Deaf community.
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Access to Work a) National Rates – the Access to Work (AtW)
operational team deny these are in existence despite evidence to the
contrary b) awards that insist on salaried interpreters and pay rates
awarded at £18.19 or less c) expecting an employer contribution top-up
to AtW awards.
It is therefore vital that our Union lead the way by clearly stating what is, and
what is not, acceptable and to take back control of our working rights.
How was the current minimum fees document constructed?
There were four surveys conducted, between the end of September and the
first week of November 2014. Members can see the results of the surveys on
their forum. The resulting fees and the wording of the document were
proposed, amendments put forward and voted on by members. The document
runs until March 2015. Work continues on minimum fees.
I am a NUBSLI member. Are these recommended or fixed fees for Union
members?
These are fees that we expect all members of NUBSLI to adhere to. This may
mean having to refuse work that does not meet these minimums. It is
essential we all follow these fees to demonstrate that we are not able to work
for less than our agreed rates. At this time, with the current threat we are
facing we absolutely have to stand together as a profession.
I am not a NUBSLI member. Should I follow the recommended Union
minimum fees or can I reduce mine?
The more interpreters that use the minimum fees structure the more likely it
will be that minimum fees will be upheld for all interpreters and the more likely
that we will get paid an appropriate fee for our work.
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Whether you are a Union member or not, you will still be subject to the
reduced terms and rates of pay which the future holds. Hourly rates of less
than £20, no reimbursements of travel cost, and lack of co-worker provision
have all been mooted. We would therefore encourage all registered BSL/
English interpreters to join the move to take control and maintain the value of
our work and the standard of service that we deliver.
I sometimes charge less for short jobs or local assignments. Should I
charge more to match the half day fee?
Following the survey results a minimum call out fee has been included. The
minimum fee reflects that some interpreters are able to do more assignments
per day and therefore charge less to accommodate this.
We would recommend that interpreters think about local market forces and do
not do anything detrimental to other interpreters in the area. The work of
NUBSLI on a minimum fees structure will only work if interpreters stick to their
terms and conditions and fight for fair and appropriate pay.
How did you settle on the figures?
By looking at averages across regions from the results of the fourth survey
(please see report to members). The minimum fee will not reflect trainee fees
or those with years of experience. It is designed to be a minimum for qualified
interpreters to avoid erosion of our pay and terms and conditions.
I already have my own terms and conditions why do I need this
document?
The minimum fees document is not intended to replace any terms and
conditions documents that individual interpreters may have but may inform an
interpreter's own terms and conditions.
I am a Trainee Interpreter. Should I follow these fees?
There will be a separate survey for Trainee interpreters and once this work is
completed it will be available on the NUBSLI website.
Why isn’t travel time or expenses included?
This document relates to fees only. We recommend that interpreters have
their travel set out in their own Terms & Conditions.
I am Deaf. If interpreters insist on these fees I may not be able to get an
interpreter. Why are NUBSLI doing this?
NUBSLI is taking this step to insist on minimum pay rates as a direct
response to the threats to the future of the BSL/English Interpreting
profession. If pay rates and terms continue to be undermined the service to
Deaf people will suffer as a result. The use of untrained and unqualified
‘signers’ is likely to increase as the cheaper option. They will not be
registered.
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Trained and qualified interpreters have invested large amounts of money and
time to attain their qualified status. They need to earn a fair amount in order to
pay for the ongoing costs of CPD to maintain their skills as reflective practice
professionals. If we take no action, BSL/English interpreters will consider
leaving the profession, (some have already left and made decision to re-train
in another career), to earn a sustainable income elsewhere. In addition the
profession will attract fewer new trainees, due to the huge expense to become
qualified without the prospect of a reasonable income.
Taking this action may mean that sourcing an appropriately trained interpreter
is difficult for a while, however in the long-term our aim is to make sure that
Deaf people have access to qualified and skilled professionals.
I am an experienced interpreter. If these fees become the standard will I
be able to charge more?
It is hoped these fees will remain as the minimum and more experienced
interpreters will be able to charge more to reflect the higher levels of quality
and experience they bring. The document states that you can charge more.
The most important aspect of this work is that you will be protecting your
minimum level of pay and that remuneration for interpreters will not fall below
unsustainable levels.
Do other professions and workers have standard pay rates or minimum
fees?
Yes. Examples of professions who have set standard pay rates or minimum
fees include the National Union of Journalists, The Association of Professional
Tour Guides, BECTU (Media and Entertainment), Equity, The Musicians
Union, and NASUWT (the largest teachers’ union). These are but a few of the
organisations who have done this type of work.
Unite the Union
Unite House
128 Theobald's Road
Holborn
WC1X 8TN
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© NUBSLI December 2014

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