skip to main content

Backing Selfie Leave Bill for Shared Parental Pay

The Musicians’ Union (MU) joined artists, industry bodies and MP’s outside Parliament to support the Second Reading of Tracy Brabin MP’s Selfie Leave Bill.

Published: 26 October 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

The Musicians’ Union (MU) joined artists, industry bodies and MP’s outside Parliament to support the Second Reading of Tracy Brabin MP’s Selfie Leave Bill.

Freelance musicians and artists are being penalised by an inflexible system. Brabin’s Selfie Leave Bill would change that by giving self-employed parents access to shared parental leave and pay.

Given the importance of self-employment to the economy, and considering that there are at least 4.7 million self-employed workers in this country, it’s strange that the UK has no parental benefits system to support self-employed parents.

Maternity Allowance, for example, is only payable to self-employed mums. This places the entire burden of childcare onto mothers, and reinforces gender inequalities at home and at work.

A change in legislation would be a massive benefit for MU members, and a major step forward in the fight for gender equality.

Maternity Allowance needs to be become more flexible so that it can be shared in chunks between the mum and their partner, working in exactly the same way as it does for people in more conventional employment.

Extending this right to Shared Parental Pay to self-employed workers would make a big difference to people’s lives and is essentially cost neutral.

The Government has no excuse for holding back this vital support for freelance workers.

Employment laws created for people in more traditional employment don’t always work for freelancers. It’s time to create a parental benefits system that works for everyone.

Find out more about the Parental Pay Equality campaign.

The MU can advise on your Maternity, Paternity and Adoption rights. Explore our toolkit or contact your MU Regional Office.

Like what you read? Keep up to date with the latest from the MU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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

Brighton pier at sunrise.

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025

Read more about Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025
Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Read more about MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025