skip to main content

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 24 January 2023 | 10:21 AM
Graphic from UN Women reading
The MU is proud to take part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence spearheaded by UN Women.

But what exactly does that mean and what can we as a community of musicians do about it?

What are protected characteristics

Protected characteristics are defined by the Equality Act 2010 as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

So 34% of musicians who have experienced sexual harassment have experienced it alongside behaviours related to racism, homophobia, or another form of discrimination. And 21% are not sure.

For example, a trans woman may be sexually harassed and experience transphobic behaviour from the perpetrator, or a Black woman may experience sexual harassment and racist behaviour.

Preventing sexual harassment at work, protecting freelancers too

Right now, employed people and some freelancers are protected from sexual harassment at work. But not all freelancers are covered. Musicians, for example, could fall through a gap in the law which means most do not have the same protections or access to workplace justice as employed people.

We want to change that. That’s why we're calling for stronger laws to protect freelancers too.

Over 2000 people have signed the petition calling for change – sign the petition to add your voice to the call.

An intersectional approach

Changing the law is a vital first step. But for the law to reflect musicians’ lived experiences, there is one more thing the Government needs to do.

As well as making sure that future laws to protect people from sexual harassment explicitly include all freelancers, Government must also make sure that those laws accurately reflect how people experience sexual harassment and violence at work.

Going back to the example above, if you’re a trans woman and you experience sexual harassment and transphobia at work at the same time, the law separates them into two things. So if you do have access to workplace justice, you can go to an employment tribunal for the sexual harassment or the transphobia – but not both combined.

This denies working people justice and allows perpetrators to get away with illegal and discriminatory behaviour scot free.

This is not good enough. The law must be intersectional, and the MU is pushing Government for change.

Take action now

Remember, no-one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination on campus or at work. If you have, whatever your role in the music industry, you can report it in confidence to MU Safe Space.

The MU is proud to take part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence spearheaded by UN Women. Follow on the MU on Twitter and Instagram to get involved, or sign up as an MU Supporter for free for the latest campaigns news.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance