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

We Must Keep Music Alive: Nupur Paliwal on Solidarity, Culture and the Right to Perform

At the 2026 MU Scotland & Northern Ireland AGM, guest speaker Nupur Paliwal, President of the Students Federation of India UK, explored how music and public performance spaces can drive social change, bring communities together and help defend the right to perform.

Published: 30 October 2026

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, greets a father holding his young son.

MU Welcomes Paternity Allowance for Self-Employed Dads and Partners

Eligible self-employed fathers and partners will be entitled to up to two weeks’ paternity pay from 2029 under new Government plans, a move welcomed by the MU as an important step forward for freelance workers and their families.

Published: 28 October 2026

Wendy standing at the front of the room in front of a lectern, behind her is a screen saying

MU Delegates Call for Action on Harassment in Music at STUC Women's Conference 2026

The MU took the campaign to end harassment in Scotland's music industry to the 99th STUC Women's Conference, where delegates unanimously backed a motion calling for stronger protections, Fair Work principles and improved accountability across the sector.

Published: 27 October 2026

Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Young Black women singing into a microphone against a blue, out of focus background.

New REMEL Report Highlights Barriers Facing Black and South Asian-Led Music Events in London

Black Lives in Music has published the REMEL (Race Equality in Music Event Licensing) report, produced with the Greater London Authority, Metropolitan Police Service, UK Music, LIVE and the MU.

Published: 15 October 2026

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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