"The Work Not Play campaign isn’t just about calling things out, it’s also about working with those who engage musicians to educate them." Photo credit: Shutterstock
Thank you to all our members who raised this issue across social media and with the MU Scotland & Northern Ireland team.
MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Barry Dallman said:
“I’m very pleased that following a productive discussion, Scottish Rugby has confirmed it will be offering payment to all bands performing on the ‘Scotland’s Playlist’ initiative during the Autumn Nations Series.
“The Work Not Play campaign isn’t just about calling things out, it’s also about working with those who engage musicians to educate them, challenge assumptions and highlight the fact that music is a profession, not just a hobby. I’m grateful to Scottish Rugby for the positive manner in which it engaged with us on this issue.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said:
“We have had an amazing response to this initiative and we are happy to take guidance from the Musicians Union to ensure that the acts participating are appropriately supported and their professional work is paid for accordingly.”
This is not a hobby – it’s our profession
The MU regularly hears from musicians asked to work for free. Asking musicians to work for free is unacceptable at any time.
No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – including musicians.
Have you been asked to work for free?
- Fill in the Work Not Play form to help us build a picture of what’s happening and come up with targeted solutions
- Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #WorkNotPlayMU
The MU also provides advice on hiring musicians for events, and for pubs and small venues.
Find out more about the MU’s work for fair pay in our Work Not Play campaign hub.