Frequently Asked Questions about NUPIT
1. What are the aims/objectives of
NUPIT?
As from the early days, the aims are to
continue representing interpreters and translators, offering them
legal advice and representation on terms of appointment and other
information related to contract employment matters. Most workers
are concerned about their pay levels, working conditions, safety,
the fairness with which they are treated, etc. Interpreters and
translators are no different in this respect, though of course,
they have different problems as they are self-employed and
freelance people. Click here to see definitions for
'worker', 'self-employed' and 'agency workers'
NUPIT’s objectives have been to raise the standing of
interpreters and ensure good standards of training and
qualifications. Professional interpreters and translators are
well-qualified people and it is essential that they are properly
rewarded for their work. Most professional workers have a
union that represents them, and that is what we have been aiming to
do for interpreters and translators.
2. How long has NUPIT been in operation?
NUPIT was set up at the beginning of 2001. It has been growing ever
since and many interpreters and translators are joining our branch:
Public service interpreters, police and court interpreters,
conference interpreters as well as specialised translators, who
come from all over the world, different backgrounds, languages,
cultures and religions.
3. Why is Unite representing interpreters and
translators?
There are many different professional groups which are part of
Unite the Union. It is constantly growing with sections for
self-employed groups in membership such as the Association of
Professional Tour Guides (APTG), London Cab Drivers, IT
professionals, specialist professionals in the health service,
clergy, surveyors and engineers, health visitors, etc. In 2001
interpreters and translators decided they wanted to form a union.
They came to us as they worked for different work providers.
Language practitioners needed the protection of a trade union and
this is still true today.
4. In a nutshell, why should interpreters and
translators join NUPIT?
Interpreters and translators need to be protected, and joining
NUPIT offers them the opportunity to be part of an organisation
that is trying to improve their pay and conditions. As union
members, interpreters and translators receive benefits and services
from the union, advice and representation on terms of appointment
and other related employment matters.
5. Does NUPIT represent all translators and interpreters
or only specific segments of the profession?
We are keen to represent all who come within the interpreting and
translation professions and meet the necessary conditions, such as
proof of qualifications and experience, as well as those who are in
professional training such as the Diploma in Public Service
Interpreting (DPSI) or who have a university interpreting and
translation degree.
6. What is the current membership composition of
NUPIT?
Most of our members are public service interpreters; many are
involved in court and police work, others work with agencies or for
health authorities. We have a small but growing membership among
business and conference interpreters. All are self-employed and
freelance.
7. What does NUPIT offer that is different from other
professional associations?
It promotes the establishment of fair and reasonable terms and
conditions and a nationally agreed rate of pay. Also an obligatory
external examination for all interpreters and all qualifications to
be recognised by QCA- and Ofqual accredited qualifications bodies.
There is work to be done on recognised qualifications, experience
and security vetting, and our aim is to campaign for national
public registered service interpreters (NRPSIs) to obtain state
regulation.
8. Does NUPIT offer pension schemes?
No but we can advise our self-employed and freelance members how to
obtain them.
9. What other services is the union
providing?
We have a magazine and a newspaper, newsletters, e-bulletins and an
accessible and informative website. There are many educational
courses which the union provides for members and some of these are
of interest to NUPIT members, and we are developing a booklet with
details of benefits available for NUPIT members through
Unite.
10. What has NUPIT been doing and campaigning for on
behalf of interpreters and translators?
NUPIT has developed a model and guidance for Terms of Appointment
[Link to Terms of Appointment]. We are giving interpreters and
translators the means of helping themselves by informing them what
is reasonable regarding terms of appointment. We have undertaken a
survey of working conditions of public service interpreters. These
are good foundations on which we have been building our
membership.
11. What tools have NUPIT been deploying in its
campaigns?
We have been gaining support for reasoned
cases and have political connections. You may have noticed some of
this already. Putting information and knowledge into the hands of
our members is important and can be very effective, as it gives
them the tools they need to assist others and to organise their
colleagues.
12. Are there any entry requirements or is membership
open to any interpreter and translator?
You must be a professional interpreter or translator and able to
show proof that you are qualified to work in the profession, which
will entitle you to be included in the NUPIT online database.
