Crematoria

[DHM]

My thanks to all who contributed to the discussion on VAT-able/non-VAT-able fees.

The responses of the crem authorities and the FDs has been very variable - some getting very stressed and refusing to charge differing fees for different organists, others being completely unfazed by it.

 

It would be very helpful to my colleagues and me if we could compare experiences, terms & conditions, etc, with other board members who also play at crematoria.

• Are you currently deemed to be employed or self-employed?
  
• Salaried, or paid per day or per service?
  
• Paid by the crematorium owners / local authority, or by the FD?
  
• How much info are you given, and how far in advance, about what you have to play?
  
• How do you get this info, and how accurate is it?
  

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Douglas.

[Ronald Shillingford]

My thanks to all who contributed to the discussion on VAT-able/non-VAT-able fees.

The responses of the crem authorities and the FDs has been very variable - some getting very stressed and refusing to charge differing fees for different organists, others being completely unfazed by it.

 

It would be very helpful to my colleagues and me if we could compare experiences, terms & conditions, etc, with other board members who also play at crematoria.

• Are you currently deemed to be employed or self-employed?
  
• Salaried, or paid per day or per service?
  
• Paid by the crematorium owners / local authority, or by the FD?
  
• How much info are you given, and how far in advance, about what you have to play?
  
• How do you get this info, and how accurate is it?
  

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Douglas.

 

 

 

Ok Douglas. Well I am one of the five Organists that play in Birmingham Crematoria. There are three Crems that they owned. The Organists work as Self-employed servants we are paid less then eleven pounds per service each day. The rate we are paid is set by the local authority and not the Funeral Director. I have been working in this role for 10 yrs now and the pay is abysmal. Information as to pay is always from the local authority who determine the rate. We are all professionally trained Organists we have tried to push for the ISM Rate but they were having none of it. According to them they compare the rates around the Country from other Crems local authorities so theres not a lot we can do. We all have contracts of what we are required to do including paying for another Organist if your away from work and etc.