skip to main content

Solidarity and the Cost of Living Crisis

The MU would like to express solidarity with other union workers who are on strike this week, including nurses, postal workers and railway staff.

Published: 16 December 2022 | 11:48 AM
Red post box stands in front of a brick wall in the bright sunshine.
As ever, we are behind every musician, wherever our members are based and whatever their circumstances. Photo credit: Shutterstock

With inflation still at over 10% and interest rates rising again this week, the squeeze on living standards has never been more desperate and we stand with all workers fighting to get a fair pay rise and a protection of their terms and conditions.

We continue to fight hard for our own members, through, for example, challenging ACE funding cuts, reclaiming unpaid monies and negotiating with employers and getting significant rate increases. We’ve also distributed over £1 million in royalties this year.

If the Government want to see growth, they must invest in working people

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl commented:

“At this very difficult time, with the public purse tightening and living costs rising, we stand with colleagues across the trade union movement to demand a better deal. If the Government want to see growth, they must invest in working people.

“The MU is working harder than ever to generate and recover money for its members; whether through chasing unpaid fees, negotiating pay rises or distributing royalties. We are conscious of our members’ financial stresses and we are here to offer advice and support on a wide range of issues.

“As ever, we are behind every musician, wherever our members are based and whatever their circumstances.”

Please visit our cost of living hub for more details and contact your regional office if you need any assistance.

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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music