Remember, if you’re a musician still waiting to be paid, contact the MU as soon as possible. Photo: Shutterstock.
From 1 January to 31 December 2025, our expert teams and member benefit services helped secure £3,200,000 for musicians.
This total reflects work carried out across the MU’s regional offices, as well as its legal, education and royalties departments, supporting members across a wide range of areas, including:
- Recovery of unpaid fees
- Negotiation of contract settlements
- Royalty distribution
- Recovery of unlawful pay deductions
- Negotiation of redundancy claims
- Compensation claims for contractual breaches
- Recovery of unpaid holiday pay.
Supporting members to get paid
Maybe your gig has been cancelled at the last minute, or you’ve completed work on a recording project only to receive significantly less money than expected. You could be working for a private music service that has fallen behind on payments, or you may have been booked for a workshop that was unexpectedly cancelled. At the MU, we do everything we can to help members recover unpaid fees and wages.
Support can range from advice on approaching the other party in the first instance, through to legal assistance in pursuing a claim through the small claims court.
Our unpaid fee recovery service is available for payment issues relating to your work as a musician. Every case is different, and support will depend on the details of your situation and whether it meets the Union’s criteria for legal action. In many cases, members simply need advice on the best way to proceed.
The MU also offers a Legal Advice and Assistance scheme — a member-only service providing access to legal advice and support across a broad range of workplace issues, including unpaid fees and disputes at work.
In addition, the MU’s own Royalties Department collects between £1.5 million and £2 million each year for musicians through the secondary and further use of recordings. Under several trade agreements, we collect income from users of UK recorded music (including labels, production companies, TV companies and advertising agencies) and distribute royalties to eligible musicians, typically non-featured or session performers.
The power of being in a union
Wasim Yunus, MU Head of membership says: “Collecting over £3m for musicians is a testament to the MU’s commitment to its growing membership and making the music industry a fairer place. More importantly, it showcases the significance of being in a union and the power of collective action".
Beyond fee recovery and legal support, MU membership includes instrument and equipment insurance, public liability insurance, career development opportunities, specialist advice, networking opportunities, plus a range of discounts and special offers. We also campaign for fair pay, stronger rights, and better working conditions for musicians across the industry. Explore all the benefits of membership here.
MU members residing in Crown Dependencies may have limitations, variations or exclusions for certain member benefits; please see our help centre for more info.