skip to main content

Reforming Access to Work Motion Passed at TUC Disabled Workers Conference

The MU proposed Motion, moved by member Nigel Braithwaite, aims to improve the Access to Work scheme for more disabled job seekers. 

Published: 24 March 2022 | 1:44 PM
Man standing with back to the camera facing a seated out of focus conference crowd. He is wearing a grey top and has his hands spread as if he is explaining something.
“Over the last 10 years I have become increasingly aware that Access to Work is actually not that accessible". Image credit: Shutterstock.

The TUC Disabled Workers Conference took place online as a virtual even between 22 - 23 March. Member Nigel Braithwaite moved the MU’s Motion ‘Reforming Access to Work’, and this was seconded by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Nigel also seconded an NUJ motion on 'digital accreditation as a reasonable adjustment in sports journalism' on the same day.

Our other delegates included members Ben Lunn, Baluji Shrivastav.

Personal experience

In Nigels speech, he commented:

“Since medical retirement from the Medical Devices world I have thrown myself back into my first loves of playing and teaching the French horn; I rejoined the MU after a gap of a few years. Since rejoining I began to participate in the Union’s disabled members network meetings which led me to believe that disabled musicians get a pretty rough deal, particularly affecting those of us who are self employed.”

“Over the last 10 years I have become increasingly aware that Access to Work is actually not that accessible. In fact it is completely inaccessible unless you have a job; this affects not just job seekers but the self-employed (freelance musicians or anyone working in a gig economy).”

“We believe that the support available through Access to Work is essential for some young disabled musicians to enter the music profession and where disability may occur mid-career, enable others to continue working in the profession”.

You can read the highlights from Nigel’s speech via our Twitter thread below.

Reforming Access to Work Motion

Conference stated to the TUC that:

“While many disabled people have benefited from the [current Access to Work] scheme, it is out of step with the current employment market. Disabled people can only apply for Access to Work once they have secured a job not to help them look for work. This puts disabled job seekers at a huge disadvantage”.

It also added that:

“Self-employed workers face additional barriers securing Access to Work due to the variability of their work and income. Members have reported difficulties securing support for administrative work that is essential to running a business”.

Conference asked the TUC to lobby Government to:

  • Make Access to Work available to disabled job seekers
  • Streamline the application process to tackle waiting times
  • Remove the annual cap 22
  • Be more flexible and responsive in the support offered.

 

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

At the MU we advocate on behalf of disabled and/or neurodivergent musicians to ensure their rights are upheld and strengthened – where they encounter discrimination, we’ll challenge it.  

Join our Disabled Member Network

The Disabled Members Network is a space for MU members who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent to meet and discuss issues that impact their communities, shape MU policy, and change the music industry and the MU for the better.

Join the Disabled Member Network

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

Continue reading

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025
Exterior of the venue - a white tiled building with writing on the windows and an orange neon sign saying Belgrave Music Hall.

MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

On 9 September the North of England team will be attending FFWDxLEEDS—a new conference aimed at bridging the gap between local artists and the wider music industry. MU Members can also access a 10% discount on tickets with our exclusive code.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Read more about Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability