skip to main content

Sign The Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

Call on Ministers to provide more funding to support English National Opera and protect jobs in the orchestra, chorus and stage crews.

Published: 14 July 2023 | 10:44 AM
The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum theatre in Covent Garden, the previous home of ENO.
“Please help us make the case to the government that money invested in ENO to enable them to continue to perform in London is of value to everyone who enjoys music.” Image credit: Shutterstock.

The MU, Equity and Bectu are calling on the Department of Culture Media and Sport, and the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to provide more funding to support English National Opera (ENO) while it seeks a new audience.

Why is this important?

ENO has been instructed by Arts Council England to leave London and set up a new base elsewhere in the UK in a short time frame while cutting their grant.

Both the timescale for finalising proposals and the amount of funding on offer are a cause of concern for the MU, Equity and Bectu, as well as the wider arts community. These challenges make it very likely that many jobs in the orchestra, chorus and stage crews will be lost forever, and there will be significantly less opera in the UK as a result.

That’s why we’ve started a petition calling on Government to provide more funding to support ENO and protect jobs.

Help us make the case to government

Jamie Pullman, MU Regional Organiser for London said: “It’s really important that ENO continue to do a lot of work in London, the future of the orchestra, chorus and stage crew depend on it, whether or not their home base is in the capital.

“Please help us make the case to the government that money invested in ENO to enable them to continue to perform in London is of value to everyone who enjoys music.”

The petition closes on Wednesday 26 July so that it can be hand delivered to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before the end of the month.

Keeping your data safe and sound

The petition is hosted on Megaphone - a petition platform operated by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and designed for the trade union movement.

The TUC will not disclose your personal information to third parties unless they are required to do so by law, or unless they have your explicit consent. Find out more in Megaphone’s privacy policy.

Highlights from the campaign to save the ENO so far

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Young Black musician in a wheelchair, working on his music with a keyboard and laptop in a studio.

MU to Host Panel and Workshop at Liverpool Sound City Conference

The annual Sound City Music Industry Conference is the UK’s leading independent conference for new music. Taking place in Liverpool on 2 May, the MU will host a panel on changing attitudes and perceptions to access requirements for touring artists. Ticket discount is also available to members.

Published: 24 April 2025

Read more about MU to Host Panel and Workshop at Liverpool Sound City Conference
Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

Read more about Tribute to Leon Slater