skip to main content

Downing Street Parties and Cost of Living Crisis

The MU responds to this week’s developments in parliament.

Published: 26 May 2022 | 3:05 PM Updated: 26 May 2022 | 5:35 PM
Close of up energy, all blurred apart from title which reads
All households will receive a £400 discount on energy bills. Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The MU welcomes today’s announcement by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak of extra help for households during the current cost of living crisis. This follows months of calls from the Labour Party and the TUC, both of which the MU is affiliated to.

All households will receive a £400 discount on energy bills and there will be further one-off payments of different amounts to the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with the lowest incomes.

Although any help is welcome, this is unlikely to fix problems for many households faced with rising inflation and interest rates as well as the energy bill explosion. MU members who face financial difficulties should contact their regional office in the first instance.

MU also responds to conclusions of the Sue Gray report

The current cost of living crisis comes only a few months after the relaxation of pandemic rules that left many musicians unable to work. The conclusions of the Sue Gray report, published yesterday are therefore particularly galling.

The MU has expressed anger at the fact that musicians struggled to make ends meet whilst Downing Street was partying.

Not only did the Government set rules which meant our members were unable to work (and then ignore these rules themselves), but they also refused to make changes to SEISS that would have allowed approximately half of our members, who were not eligible, to receive financial assistance.

We Demand Better 

In light of these developments the MU will be joining the trade union movement in London to tell this government: we demand better! Members are invited to join us, assembling from 10:30 am at Portland Place in Central London on 18 June.

In addition, the TUC are also hosting local town hall rallies across the UK to support the march and the campaign for a new deal for working people. For more information on times and dates, visit the official TUC town hall rallies page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector
A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Read more about CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries