Theatre Musician News & Stories

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Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

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General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

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Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

The Prime Minister announced on Monday 21 February that Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing will end in England. Scotland has also announced changes. Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be reviewed.

Published: 23 February 2022

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General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Members are encouraged to attend the online forum on 16 February, to hear and interrogate the progress of the UK Music 10-Point Plan presented by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce leads.

Published: 09 February 2022

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New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

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Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

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Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

We’re pleased to share that our friends at Music Support are currently offering our members the opportunity to attend their Addiction and Recovery Workshop for free.

Published: 25 January 2022

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PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

This aim of the survey is to investigate the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in Classical Music as well as wider workforce issues including work-life balance and wellbeing.

Published: 20 January 2022

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Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Music Support is a charity that provides help for musicians dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues. Please complete their survey by 1 February to help improve and develop its services.

Published: 20 January 2022

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

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Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

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Theatre Workers Asked to Take Equity’s Fixing Accommodation Survey

MU members working on commercial tours are asked to fill out Equity’s survey, to help the union look at how problems with the accommodation system have worsened due to the pandemic.

Published: 04 January 2022

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Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

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Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

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MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

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Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

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MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

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New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

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Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

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BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

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No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Visas are no longer required for musicians for a short term work when travelling to Spain.

Published: 17 November 2021

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Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

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Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

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MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

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Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

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Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

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Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

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MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021

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MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

MU Member Katherine Liley gave a speech at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference, citing her own personal experiences and those of women around her, calling for a motion on creating safe workplaces for women to be moved.

Published: 27 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

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Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

As part of Addiction Awareness Week, Music Support are offering free places on their brand-new Addiction & Recovery workshop – with applications closing on Monday 25 October.

Published: 22 October 2021

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UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Research by UK Music reveals the music industry contributed £3.1 billion to the UK economy in 2020, down from £5.8bn in 2019.

Published: 20 October 2021

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

The MU fully supports the recommendations made in Black Lives in Music’s survey report highlighting the systemic racism that Black musicians experience across the music industry. The MU’s John Shortell explains why.

Published: 13 October 2021

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TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) have published a 15-minute primer on everything you need to know to set up a meeting with your employer and get the conversation going a green transition in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow this year.

Published: 11 October 2021

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Theatre News

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

Theatre Workers Asked to Take Equity’s Fixing Accommodation Survey

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change