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 accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available