News coming in from freelancers about a company with some decidedly dodgy employment practices: 247.tv, run by Adrian Battersby.

This company, which provides sports coverage for various broadcasters, has been cited for hiring camera operators and requiring them to work shifts of up to 11 hours without a single break of any kind during the day. When challenged, they were then challenged for their work ethic and ignored and the practice goes on.

The company claims that “we always go the extra mile to get the shots we need for all of our shows”, although it is not the company doing the extra running, it’s the workers Battersby is taking on.

Expecting people to work non-stop throughout long days is of course entirely unlawful, as Battersby is surely aware. It is also, of course, extremely unsafe, especially when handling equipment, including at heights. Other freelancers also confirmed they were asked to work in conditions they felt were unsafe when working for the company.

It’s not clear whether the broadcasters which this company supplies (eg Volleyball England, Bowls Scotland, England Darts) are aware of how the workers are being treated whilst they are providing their services. If so they would surely have something to say about it, as might the HSE who will likely be all over this company if the worst does happen in terms of accidents.

When asked, Battersby had no defence of the practice, seemingly happy simply to cream off the extra profit he makes by employing fewer workers than are required to provide his services safely and with due regard to employment law.

Adrian Battersby, 247.tv: Freelancers Beware!

NB please note that this company is not to be confused with 247kit.tv which is a very honourable company with no connection whatsoever to this lot!