MU Pension Scheme

The Musicians' Union Pension Scheme (MUPS) has been running successfully for many years, allowing musicians to make and receive pension contributions. We strive to make pensions for musicians more accessible.

MU Pension Scheme (MUPS) is a Personal Pension Plan for musicians which is a Qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme. It is the only pension scheme that the participating Production Companies will contribute to using the rates detailed in the corresponding MU Collective Agreements.

What is a Personal Pension Plan?

It is an investment vehicle, with the primary purpose of building a capital sum to provide retirement benefits.

Who is eligible for Musicians' Union Pension Scheme?

Musicians are eligible to join the MU Pension Scheme when they are members of the Musicians' Union. However, you will receive an employer's contribution only if a negotiated employer’s contribution is present within the collective bargaining agreement for employees. This might not be the case if you are working as an extra or deputy, for example.

Employers contributing to the Musicians' Union Pension Scheme

There are now over 600 members of the Musicians' Union Pension Scheme. Funds held within the scheme have reached more than £13m, with annual contributions exceeding £1m a year, there's never been a better time to check your eligibility for the best pension for musicians.

If you work for any of the employers (and a negotiated employer's contribution appears within the agreement) below, you can also receive an employer’s contribution to the MU  Pension Scheme.

• Society of London Theatre (West End)
• UK Theatre (Touring and Regional)
• BBC
• Royal National Theatre
• PACT (Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television)
• TAC (Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru – Welsh Independent Producers) 
• ITV UK Independent Television
• The Globe
• Regents Park Open Air Theatre
• English National Ballet
• Royal Opera House
• English National Opera
• Disney Theatrical           
• Royal Shakespeare Company

Learn more about the MU Pension Scheme

If you're unsure whether you qualify for an employer’s contribution, please contact the MU or Chester Rose (*formally Hencilla Canworth GI), which administers the Musicians' Union Pension Scheme.

How can the MU Pension Scheme work for me?

1. You can benefit from contract related contributions
2. You can make personal regular contributions
3. You can make one-off payments

Contract related contributions are deducted directly from your salary by the Production Company. You do not have to be a MU member to join the MUPS.

How do I join the MU Pension Scheme ?

You can take advantage of this fund and open a pension for a musician today.

Read the details of the MU Pension Scheme and join online, or by calling Chester Rose (*formally Hencilla Canworth GI) on 020 3342 1282. Once you have joined you will receive your personal MUPS Membership number. 

Join the MU Pension Scheme

Where is my money invested?

You will automatically be invested in the ESG driven default fund, the “AVIVA Pension Diversified Assets Fund 2 Series 6”.  However, there is a wide range of funds available and these can be viewed at the funds research site.

What happens if I already have another personal pension?

You can have as many Personal Pensions as you like.

When can I benefit from my MU Pension Scheme?

Musicians can currently start benefiting from MU Pension Scheme from age 55. Depending on how you take the benefits, certain limits may be applied to future contributions.

What happens if I die before I retire?

100% of your fund is paid tax free to your estate or nominated beneficiaries.

How will Production Companies’ pension contributions affect my Income Tax?

As pension contributions are treated as an enhancement to your salary, they will form part of your gross income and will be subject to income tax. However, when the contributions are paid into your MUPS they will receive tax relief at source.

Should I detail contributions on my Tax Return?

We recommend that you do. A schedule of contributions can be obtained from Chester Rose (*formally Hencilla Canworth GI).

What is Auto-enrolment – could it affect me?

Yes, it definitely could. Contact Chester Rose (*formally Hencilla Canworth GI) on 020 3342 1282 to discuss this.

Who manages MU Pension Scheme?

MUPS is administered by Chester Rose (*formally Hencilla Canworth GI) and is the MU’s appointed Insurance Adviser and an Independent Insurance Intermediary. AVIVA is the product provider and is the one of the largest pension providers in the UK.

*Hencilla Canworth is now part of the Chester Rose Group, find out more.