skip to main content

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021 | 12:09 PM
Hands typing on a rose gold laptop, with a cup of coffee and a mobile phone in the background.
It’s crucial that our Black, Asian and minority ethnic members feel fully represented and included in all aspects of the MU’s work. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The report, which was published on Wednesday 3 November by the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity presents groundbreaking work on the importance of unions on diversity.

The MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion John Shortell welcomed the findings, and looked at the next steps the MU needs to take in discussing them:

“The MU welcomes the report by the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity that holds the entertainment trade unions to account on their work to tackle racism. It’s crucial that our Black, Asian and minority ethnic members feel fully represented and included in all aspects of the MU’s work.

“We thank the authors of the report Riaz Meer and Jack Newsinger for highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them. We will be discussing the report’s recommendations with our Network for Members who Experience Racism, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Executive Committee.”

Interested members can read the full report on the Birmingham City University website.

We are behind every musician

As a trade union we are here to represent, support and provide advice to our members. If you are an MU member experiencing racism or any other form of discrimination, you should contact your Regional Office.

Find out more about what we do for musicians experiencing racism.

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

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords