skip to main content

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Government is gathering evidence on whether current laws on protecting people from sexual harassment in the workplace are effective.

Published: 19 July 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Hand held palm out
Signalling for a stop. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The consultation has two parts; a technical consultation for organisations and a short survey for the general public.

The MU is calling on all members to complete the short survey.

You can find guidance on how to answer the questions critical to protecting freelancers on the MU blog, Learn.

The survey closes on Wednesday 2 October.

#ThisIsNotWorking

The MU has joined forces with the TUC and an alliance of trade unions and women’s rights organisations to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Our laws rely on individuals reporting their harassment, but four in five feel unable to tell their employer.

It should not be down to the individual to prevent and manage their harassment alone.

We need the Government to strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens.

Together, we're demanding a new, easily enforceable legal duty, requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to protect workers from sexual harassment and victimisation.

Join our call for the Government to take immediate action. Sign the petition now.

What next?

If you’re an MU member, log in to My MU to make sure your communications preferences are up to date and you have opted in to receiving news updates from the MU.

If you’re not an MU member, you can sign up as an MU Supporter for free to hear more about this, and other MU campaigns.

If you face sexual harassment at work

No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination at work.

If you have, whatever your role in the music industry, you can report it in confidence at safespace@theMU.org. We are listening.

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

Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action
Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters
Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield
Six women on stage in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen saying

‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music

Donne Women in Music’s latest report reveals how underrepresented composers receive a smaller share of orchestral programme time than their share of programmed works, highlighting persistent inequalities in global repertoire.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about ‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music