Martin Cloake ( Press Gazette , 7 January) has misunderstood my letter.
Freelance
subs may be casual in the eyes of their employer, but they are not
casual if they are a full-time, professional, permanent freelance.
I have known subs who make a career of doing freelance shifts and others who combine subbing shifts with writing.
As
far as I’m concerned, if someone is freelance by choice and plans to
make a career out of freelance journalism of any kind, that person’s
needs and views should carry more weight than someone who is only
taking on freelance work until they get a staff position.
People
I have known who take on freelance work while looking for permanent
employment were prepared to work for less pay and under poorer terms
and conditions than most longterm freelances will tolerate.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog