The new agreement delivers improvements for freelance orchestral , with pay increases and strengthened ancillary payments that reflect the true costs of orchestral work. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The Musicians’ Union has reached a new agreement with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), delivering pay increases and important contractual improvements for freelance orchestral musicians working under the ABO/MU agreement from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
After negotiations involving the MU’s Orchestral Department and the Freelance Orchestral Committee, the revised agreement secures increases to concert fees and key ancillary payments, alongside a new Access and Adjustments clause designed to better protect musicians with access needs.
Pay and ancillary improvements
Under the new agreement:
- Concert fees increase by 3.5% for Tutti players in ABO Categories 1, 2 and 3, and by 3% for all other tiers, improving on the original offer made by the ABO.
- Travel allowance rates increase, with the standard mileage rate rising to 42p per mile, reflecting an uplift to the distance payment element.
- Porterage payments increase by 3.5%, providing additional recognition of the costs associated with transporting large and heavy instruments.
These increases mean that pay under the ABO/MU agreement is broadly in line with, or slightly ahead of, current inflation levels, at a time when many musicians across the sector are continuing to experience significant cost pressures.
New Access and Adjustments clause
A major step forward in this agreement is the inclusion of a new Access and Adjustments clause, drafted by the MU and accepted by the ABO.
The clause places clear obligations on engagers to ensure that no musician is disadvantaged, excluded from work, or financially penalised due to disability, health conditions, pregnancy-related needs, caring responsibilities or other access requirements. It applies across all aspects of an engagement, including travel, accommodation, call times, venue access, parking and the safe movement and storage of instruments.
Where reasonable adjustments give rise to additional costs, engagers are expected to meet those costs or agree suitable alternatives in consultation with the musician.
This new clause is supported by an agreed ABO/MU Fixer's ED&I Checklist, establishing best practice expectations around inclusive fixing and engagement practices across the sector.
Real improvements for freelance orchestral musicians
Jo Laverty, National Organiser Orchestras, said:
“This agreement delivers real improvements for freelance orchestral musicians, with pay increases that bring rates closer to keeping pace with inflation and strengthened ancillary payments that reflect the true costs of orchestral work.
"I am particularly pleased that we have secured a new Access and Adjustments clause, alongside an agreed Fixers’ ED&I Checklist. These changes are about ensuring that all musicians can access work fairly, safely and without being financially disadvantaged because of their access needs. This represents an important and positive step forward for inclusion in the orchestral sector.”
What happens next?
The new rates apply from 1 April 2026, and MU members engaged under the ABO agreement should ensure that the updated rates and conditions are reflected in their contracts and payments.
The MU will continue to monitor implementation of the agreement and work with freelancers to ensure the new access provisions are respected in practice.
We welcome all feedback on the implementation of the access and adjustments clause via orchestral@themu.org.