MU Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at an event hosted by the Freelancers All Party Parliamentary Group – a group of cross-party MPs interested in the challenges facing freelancers and improving freelance workers’ rights.

Brexit red tape and rising costs continue to impact musicians

Naomi highlighted the ongoing impact of Brexit on freelance musicians’ ability to work and tour in Europe, from singer songwriters to bands to freelance orchestral players. According to research by UK Music, which included hundreds of MU members, 95% of musicians have lost income as a result of leaving the European Union. 

While the MU has secured explicit commitments from the Labour Party to make touring in Europe easier, the Union is calling on the UK Government to: 

1. Secure practical arrangements to help touring musicians and facilitate cultural exchange
2. Reduce the cost and complexity of carnets and other Brexit red tape. 

At the same time, artists are facing a cost of touring crisis in the UK and music venues continue to struggle with the cost of utilities and business rates.

Strengthening copyright and empowering artists

Naomi called for key measures to empower artists and protect the future of music, including: 

1. Consent, labelling and fair remuneration for musicians whose work is used to train AI models and to generate AI music
2. Stronger publicity, personality and personal data rights to make sure you decide what happens to your voice and image
3. Music streaming royalties for non-featured artists who currently earn £0 from the streaming of their work.

She also emphasised the importance of arts funding to secure the future of the UK's world class arts organisations and enable them to protect jobs and improve terms and conditions for freelance workers.

Building on the landmark Employment Rights Act 

Naomi paid tribute to the Labour Government for its landmark Employment Rights Act.

As the Government undertakes a second phase of work focused on freelancers, Naomi put the focus on sick pay, pensions and parental leave. The Musicians’ Census revealed that 14% of self-employed musicians have access to sick pay, 28% of musicians have a pension and 36% have access to parental leave, she told MPs. 

The Musicians’ Census also highlighted that barriers to career progression, discrimination and harassment are all more likely to be faced by disabled musicians, women musicians, LGBT+ musicians and musicians from the Global Majority.

Building on the launch of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), Naomi highlighted that there was more work to do to ensure freelance musicians can build successful, sustainable careers – and protect the future of the UK’s multi-billion pound music industry.