The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, met with people directly affected by the Budget ahead of its delivery today in the House of Parliament. Photo: Simon Walker / HM Treasury.
Following campaigning by the MU, other trade unions and Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA), the Government has announced that it will extend parental pay to more than 150,000 additional parents each year, including self-employed fathers and partners.
The changes, which will come into effect from April 2029, mean eligible parents will be entitled to up to two weeks of paternity pay, worth up to £194 per week, helping to ensure that freelance and self-employed workers are better supported when welcoming a new child into their family.
This is an issue the MU has campaigned on for many years
Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the MU said: “This is an issue the MU has campaigned on for many years and a positive step towards ensuring that freelance and self-employed workers are not left behind when it comes to family rights and protections. Many musicians work on a freelance basis and have been penalised by an inflexible system for far too long.
“Extending paternity pay to self-employed parents will help more families spend valuable time together in the crucial early weeks following a child's birth and improve gender equality. While there is still more to do to strengthen rights and protections for self-employed workers, we welcome this commitment and the difference it will make for working parents across the music industry.”
Opening the door to further conversations around the support needed for freelance parents
Matt Hickman (Brownbear), MU Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Committee member says: “As a very recent first time father, this news is warmly welcomed. These changes would have allowed me to take more time at home with my daughter and her mother.
“It is not just a toll on a father, or parent, having to return to work so soon after the birth of their child, but also for the mother, or other parent, who has to stay home in isolation at what should be a very special and together time as a family.
“This news will allow freelance workers more dignity following the birth of their child, and hopefully open the door to further conversations around the support needed for freelance parents.”
The Treasury is yet to provide more information on the new scheme. The MU will update members as more information becomes available.
About the Budget
The Budget is a statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Parliament outlining the government’s plans for tax and spending. It usually happens once a year in the autumn.
Some of the measures announced will apply on the same day, and others need to be passed by Parliament in the form of “ways and means resolutions” and/or legislation called the Finance Bill.
Learn more in this explainer from the House of Commons Library. The full text of the Autumn Budget is available via HM Treasury.