skip to main content

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

The BBC’s u-turn on the BBC Singers is positive news. However, their future and 43 jobs in the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras are still at risk.

Published: 03 April 2023 | 4:15 PM
External shot of the BBC head office in London.
Our template letter covers key arguments for protecting and maintaining the BBC Orchestras. Image credit: Joanna Dudderidge © Musicians' Union.

The BBC’s decision to reverse plans to close BBC Singers on 30 September 2023 and give the group their rightful place in this year’s BBC Proms programme is positive news. However, the BBC Singers’ future is still at risk.

At the same time, the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras are facing 20% cuts to their employed posts. A total of 43 orchestra jobs will be affected.

Take action now to protect the BBC’s Performing Groups

The letter calls on the BBC to:

  1. Maintain the BBC Singers as a full-time employed BBC Performing Group with a bright future
  2. Withdraw proposals to make 20% cuts to jobs in the BBC Concert, Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras
  3. Commit to maintaining all six Performing Groups as an essential part of the BBC’s public service remit

It includes space for you to explain why you care about the BBC Singers and Orchestras, and what they mean to you as a musician, student, teacher, license fee payer and as someone who loves and wants to protect the future of music.

Saving jobs in the BBC’s Orchestras

The template letter also covers key arguments for protecting and maintaining the BBC Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.

Any casualisation of the BBC’s orchestral workforce is likely to have a negative impact on the work they can produce, and shows a lack of respect for the players’ output and talent.

Learn more about the BBC’s proposals and the latest developments

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

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members
A hand pressing an online vote button.

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025
Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Read more about MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban