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

Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

Read more about Tribute to Chris Walker
Closeup of a hand playing guitar. In the background are students sitting in a circle and holding guitars.

MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government

The Government has announced an additional £15 million for its Music Growth Package, taking total investment to £45 million over three years. The MU welcomes the funding while calling for progress on EU touring, music streaming and protections for creators from AI.

Published: 14 July 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government
Silhouetted crowd at an outdoor gig at night, the stage is lit with blue light and confetti falls.

Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music

A record 24.7 million music tourists attended UK concerts and festivals in 2025, spending £11.2 billion and supporting 74,000 jobs, according to new figures from UK Music. However despite the record year, challenges remain for grassroots music and touring.

Published: 13 July 2026

Read more about Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music