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

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs
A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture
London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament