skip to main content

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

The TUC have released a report calling for a temporary legal right to access the furlough scheme for parents, those with caring responsibilities and people who cannot work because they are required to shield.

Published: 22 January 2021 | 11:32 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
A baby is held by their mums, one holds her arms around the baby, while one reaches around the baby to hold the other mums arms
Nine out of ten mums say their mental health has been negatively impacted experiencing levels of stress and anxiety. Photo credit: Shutterstock

In a new report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), titled “Working mums: Paying the price,” the federation make a number of key recommendations – calling on the Government to provide the temporary right to furlough for workers who can prove that their existing childcare or other caring arrangements have been substantially altered because of coronavirus related restrictions, or those who are required to “shield,” due to being extremely clinically vulnerable.

The call originates from research detailed in their report, which shows how Covid-19 restrictions have had a significant impact on working mums’ wellbeing, income and job security, including how:

  • 7 in 10 requests for furlough have been turned down for working mums
  • Nine out of ten mums say their mental health has been negatively impacted experiencing levels of stress and anxiety
  • One-quarter of mums (25 per cent) are worried they will lose their job, either through being singled out for redundancy, sacked or denied hours
  • One-quarter of mums (25 per cent) are worried they will lose their job, either through being singled out for redundancy, sacked or denied hours

Read and download the full report from the TUC’s website.

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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI