skip to main content

MU Expresses Solidarity with Night-Time Workers in Face of ULEZ Extension

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman discusses the issues that the extended ULEZ scheme presents to Night-Time workers in London, and how the MU has argued and is continuing to argue for a fairer system.

Photo ofJamie Pullman
By Jamie Pullman Published: 24 March 2023 | 1:12 PM Updated: 27 March 2023 | 10:44 AM
A well lit but very empty street in London at night time.
Night-time workers shouldn’t be penalised due to the hours they work. Photo credit: Shutterstock

When the ULEZ extension was first proposed, the MU and other unions had a meeting with the TfL representative in which we argued that this would be unfair on people whose work crosses over midnight. We made this clear in the public consultation as well as in further meetings with TfL and in emails to the Mayor’s office.

We have consistently made these points at every opportunity, and we have an ally in Amy Lamé, the Night Czar who has raised this issue on our behalf.

Night-time workers shouldn’t be penalised due to the hours they work, and we will continue to argue for a system that works fairly for not only our members, but all those who contribute to the night-time economy.

We have further argued that the vehicle scrappage scheme should be extended to Sole Traders whose main vehicle is not a van, but a car, as this is how most of our members transport their instruments.

We have also recently been in discussion with the Culture and Creative Industries Unit within the GLA to raise our concerns and objections to the scheme as it currently operates, and they are feeding our submission on to the relevant departments

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

Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Read more about Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks
MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future