skip to main content

MU welcomes NUT/ATL merger

The Musicians' Union (MU) looks forward to working with the new National Education Union (NEU) - the union formed by the NUT and ATL.

Published: 22 March 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

The Musicians' Union (MU) looks forward to working with the new National Education Union (NEU) - the union formed by the NUT and ATL.

The MU has today welcomed the formation of the National Education Union (NEU).

Members of the NUT and ATL voted overwhelmingly to form the new 'super-union', which will have around 450,000-members. The results show 97.2% of NUT members and 72.8% of ATL members voted for the merger with the main aim for them to become a powerful voice for the whole education profession.

The MU currently has a joint membership agreement with the NUT, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the new union.

Diane Widdison, National Organiser for Education and Training at the MU, said: “Our unity in working closely with the NUT has been very important to us as we continue to campaign and champion the work of teachers across a whole range of educational settings. Working with the new amalgamated Union, the NEU, will gives us the opportunity to be part of their lobbying to Government on the important issues facing those currently working in education.”

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

Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures
Silhouette of crowd with their hands in the air, watching a small outdoor stage, lit by blue lights. Confetti falls from the sky.

MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost
Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free