skip to main content

Highlighting That Musicians Deserve Better

In the Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group this morning, we highlighted how yesterday’s announcement from the Chancellor has left many musicians feeling abandoned.

Published: 25 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of musician with a guitar and mike, silhouetted against the stage lights.
MPs who attended the Performers’ Alliance APPG will be asking questions of the Government in Parliament and highlighting the plight of musicians during this crisis. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Many workers are waking up feeling a sense of relief this morning following the Chancellor’s announcement yesterday. Most musicians will be waking up feeling completely abandoned by the Government.

The Job Support Scheme simply does not work for many of our members, many of whom are not working at all at the moment. And even if musicians do qualify for the extension to the SEISS grant, expecting people to survive on 20% of their usual monthly income is an insult.

There was also no acknowledgement of the fact that 38% of musicians don’t qualify for this scheme anyway – a point we’ve been hammering away at for months now.

The MU made these points today in a meeting of the Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group, which was attended by a number of MPs as well as the other performers’ trade unions. These MPs will be asking questions of the Government in Parliament and highlighting the plight of musicians during this crisis.

We are also speaking to the TUC to urge them to join with us in calling for sector specific support that will work for our members.

Musicians deserve better. Music deserves better. We will not stop fighting for our members.

Take action now

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.

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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music