The National Union of Journalists has condemned as 'pitiful' a website which is encouraging freelance writers to work for £5 per 150 words.

It spoke out after a member of the union spotted that Quill "the global content creator" was seeking writers for an arts and entertainments app.

A senior editorial manager for Quill said they needed writers who are "passionate about art, music, theatre, food and drink" to turn information about events into a "personable, chatty description that really sells the event". She said she wanted freelance writers to produce 10 to 15 pieces a week at £5 for 150 words, the equivalent of 3.3p per word.