Report finds half of UK freelance journalists offered under 10p a word

A new study of the UK’s freelance journalism workforce reveals starkly low pay rates alongside high levels of professional commitment, as reported by InPublishing. The research, conducted by Sheffield Hallam University and Freelancing for Journalists, shows that while many freelancers face financially precarious conditions, they remain deeply motivated by flexibility, autonomy and mission.

Key Points from InPublishing’s coverage

• Half of surveyed freelancers had been offered less than 10p a word, and 85% had seen offers of 20p or below.

• At the higher end, 55% reported earning at least 50p a word at their peak rate, with one in four having secured £1 per word, highlighting stark disparities.

• Nearly two thirds had refused assignments due to low pay, yet only a quarter frequently negotiate rates.

• Despite financial pressures, 79% plan to continue freelancing, with 71% saying “Yes – I love it”.

• Lead researcher Dr Lily Canter said: “This report shows that freelance journalism is viable as a calling but fragile as a business,” arguing that freelancers should be treated as “essential workers in the newsroom economy”.

• The report finds a more diverse workforce than in staff newsrooms, with 17% identifying as non-white, 22% as LGBTQ+ and 19% reporting a physical or mental impairment.

• Only 6% felt their journalism training adequately prepared them for freelancing, with editors citing weak pitching and business skills as common barriers.

Analysis

The findings underline a persistent structural issue in the journalism economy: publishers’ growing reliance on freelancers has not been matched by sustainable rates or clearer commissioning practices. The gulf between the lowest and highest pay bands reflects a marketplace in which a minority of well-established freelancers prosper while many more operate on the margins, accepting rates that can fall below minimum wage once reporting time and administrative labour are factored in.

For publishers, the data highlights both risk and opportunity. Low rates may deliver short-term savings, but they undermine the stability of a workforce that is becoming increasingly central to content output across formats. They also raise concerns about equity and access, as underpaid roles disproportionately squeeze out those without independent financial support. Yet the strong commitment displayed by freelancers, and the fact that 68% live outside London, points to a resilient and geographically distributed talent pool that could help diversify editorial voices and reach new audiences.

Looking ahead, one plausible outcome is that more publishers adopt structured rate cards, faster payment systems and clearer contract terms to stabilise their freelance pipelines, particularly as competition for skilled contributors intensifies. Alternatively, if economic pressures deepen and rates stagnate, we may see further consolidation among freelancers, with only those able to secure premium commissions sustaining long-term careers. The industry’s choices in the next few years will determine whether freelance journalism becomes a sustainable contributor to media plurality or remains a fragile adjunct to newsroom operations.