Equality Rights

The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework to promote equality and opportunity for all and protect people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

Last updated: 15 November 2023

Guidance packs

Disabled Musicians' Workplace Rights

Your rights as a working disabled musicians, explained.

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Find out about what neurodiversity means, how to support colleagues in the workplace, and where to find further support and help

Sexual Harassment at Work

What is sexual harassment, who is protected and who is liable. Guidance, support and help resources for self-employed and employed musicians.

Menopause at Work

Guidance and a sample policy to help workplaces support people experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights at Work

Your rights as a parent and a working musician, explained

Carer's Rights

Guidance for musicians with unpaid caring responsibilities.

Getting started

Sample Diversity Monitoring Questions

Use the sample questions and response options to design your own diversity monitoring questionnaire.

The basics

Protected Characteristics

Groups of people who are more likely to be discriminated against or disadvantaged at work.

Public Sector Equality Duty

A duty on all public sector organisations.

Latest news and features

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

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

See all latest news

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Be a changemaker

Learn what we do to make the industry inclusive and diverse, and how you can get involved in making a change.

Get involved

Join the MU's work for equality in music

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Popular searches

Equality Rights

Guidance packs

Disabled Musicians' Workplace Rights

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Sexual Harassment at Work

Menopause at Work

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights at Work

Carer's Rights

Getting started

Sample Diversity Monitoring Questions

Protected Characteristics

Public Sector Equality Duty

Latest news and features

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

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be a changemaker

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling