WGGB has negotiated a 2% increase in all minimum rates for BBC TV drama and scripted comedy, including sketches. This brings the flagship rate for original TV drama to £11,760 for a one-hour schedule slot. A typical half-hour episode of a series or serial comes to £5,370. And in many cases, these fees are augmented by the same amount again as an advance against future repeats, overseas sales, DVDs, etc.

TV sketches are now worth a minimum of £109 per minute.

The new rates take effect from 1 November 2016. For more details see the WGGB BBC TV rate card.

WGGB Acting General Secretary Ellie Peers said: “WGGB successfully argued that screenwriters are worth every penny invested in them and that investing in writers helps ensure that the BBC can continue to produce high quality comedy and drama.”

WGGB’s trade union collective agreements with the BBC are negotiated in co-operation with the Personal Managers’ Association (PMA), representing writers’ agents.