COVID-19 updates for Freelancers

Important information on the BBC's response to the Coronavirus pandemic and what it means for Freelancers.

Updated: 12 December 2025

Information on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) is changing regularly, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest BBC updates. You can stay up to date with the latest information on the BBC Safety site, or via our 159 channel.

If you are feeling unwell and are displaying symptoms, please self-isolate and follow Government and NHS advice.

We recognise that this is a difficult time and appreciate everything you are continuing to do to support each other and our audiences. If you have a question, please call our dedicated Coronavirus Helpline on 0477 (internal), 0370 024 3477 (external).

Risk based approach to "living with COVID"

BBC Safety instructions are:

To follow government issued public health advice and
Continue to take a risk based approach to managing COVID in the workplace

See "Living with COVID and managing risks in the workplace" guidance.

Wellbeing

There’s always hope and help if you’re struggling.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Remote GP

PAYE freelancers can also now access the BBC’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - provided by Carefirst - and Remote GP services. Please note these services are only open to PAYE freelancers who joined the BBC before 28 February.

These confidential services offer a range of support, including telephone advice and counselling sessions, which we hope will be of benefit to you.

EAP - if you're based in the UK call: 0800 042 0140, if you're based outside the UK call: 0044 1452 372 435

Email: [email protected] - You can request an immediate call back.

OR:

Access the Health and Wellbeing portal using the login credentials:

Username: BBC

Password: EAP

Remote GP - to book an appointment with a GP 24/7 call: 0345 222 3735 or visit the site

BBC Financial Assistance Fund

The BBC Financial Assistance Fund (previously known as the BBC Benevolent Fund) is is funded by the BBC to provide support for current and former employees as well as their dependants at times of unexpected financial hardship. Grants are made at the discretion of the Trustees. Call 029 2032 2811 for more details.

Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund

A registered charity which provides small grants towards the cost of education or hardship. The Trustees are responsible for awarding grants. The deadline for applications is 31 July each year. They meet during September and grants are awarded following that meeting.

Financial Wellbeing

Managing your finances positively and proactively can improve your wellbeing. The information on this guide can help make your money go further.

Online Resources

NHS Every Mind Matters: expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Mind UK : advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
BBC Future: 100 Year Life

Support for family and friends

Below is a list of support measures offered by DWP which might be useful for family and friends who may be finding it difficult financially during this current time.

BBC COVID-19 Hardship Fund

Specific FAQS for Sole Traders and PAYE Freelancers (UK) outlining support for those engaged by BBC Public Service who are impacted by COVID-19.

What is BBC Public Service?

The BBC Public Service is funded by the licence fee and is the agreed constitutional basis for governance of BBC. The licence fee allows the BBC, as the national broadcasters, to provide a wide range of TV, radio and online content across multiple platforms independent of shareholder interests. BBC Children’s, Sport, News, Current Affairs, Radio and Education and Nations & Regions are all part of the BBC Public Service. This is distinct from the BBC’s commercial subsidiaries – BBC Studios, BBC Global News and BBC Studioworks - which generate their own income.

I don’t know which part of the BBC engaged me, how do I find out?

In the first instance contact your booker/hiring manager. If they cannot provide you with the information then Contact Us and we will confirm if you were engaged by the Public Service or the commercial divisions.

Why has the BBC set up this Fund?

We know this is going to be a difficult time for our industry, particularly for freelancers who will be hit by the closure of productions across the UK. We understand a number of our PAYE and Sole Trader Freelancers are suffering hardship as a result of having less opportunity to work and lack of opportunity to access other forms of support in these unprecedented times. In response to the current market conditions the BBC has established a Hardship Fund.

Who is the Fund for?

This fund has been set up with the purpose of supporting those who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of cancellation of work and loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic . It is open for PAYE Freelancers engaged by Public Service and Gross Paid Freelancers (Sole Traders) who have access to the SEISS scheme.

Why have you chosen these groups of Freelancers?

We understand these groups are experiencing the most hardship as they either may not be eligible for Government Schemes or are delayed as the Scheme is not open (SEISS) and this is to provide some support during lock down.

What can I request from the Fund?

PAYE Freelancers engaged by Public Service you can request an average 12 months of engagement fee with the BBC each for the months of April & May – capped at £1,000 per month. For Gross Paid Freelancers (Sole Traders) if you are eligible for the SIESS you can request a one off payment of £1,000.

Is this a loan or a grant?

This is a loan. All payments from the fund will either be recovered via future engagements or through a payment plan which we will agree with you.

How long will I have to pay it back?

For PAYE Freelancers who are eligible we will seek to recover the loan over a repayment period of 12 months. For Gross Paid Freelancers (Sole Traders) who are eligible we will seek to recover the loan over a repayment period of 3 months, as the SEISS scheme will open in June for you to access government support.

Does everyone who applies get access to the Fund?

No. We have developed eligibility criteria which include engagement history with the BBC, right to work and evidence of hardship and not being Furloughed by our commercial subsidiaries. A central team will review each application and ensure that eligibility criteria are met.

How long do I have to decide to apply?

This is a time limited fund and will be open for application until 31st May.

Can I still work and access the Fund?

Yes in principle you can, if you meet the eligibility criteria, though please note one of the eligibility criteria is that you are not currently furloughed by our commercial entities.

How do I access the Fund?

Please find the application form here

When will I hear the outcome?

Once we acknowledge receipt of your application we will aim to have your outcome to you in 5 working days.

If I am successful when will I receive the money?

Payment will be made to the bank details we hold on record within 5 working days of approval.

The BBC COVID-19 Hardship Fund Privacy Notice can be found here.

Support for Freelancers contracted by BBC Studios

Further information on specific support for Freelancers working in BBC Studios during the pandemic, as well as FAQ's can be found here.
Further information for BBC Studios freelancers who are on Furlough, as well as FAQ's can be found here.

COVID-19 Terms

Updated COVID-19 terms apply to freelancers in the BBC. The special terms are contained in the document below. By agreeing to your booking with the BBC, you are accepting these additional terms to apply to your booking.

For English see here.

For Welsh see here.