News & Stories for Musicians

TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber Pays Tribute to Northern Ballet Members

TUC Northern East, Yorkshire and Humber Regional celebrates member success at Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a video for social media.

Published: 28 September 2026

A big group of people from various unions holding up flags and placards with 'Labour Unions' and 'Solidarity Forever'

Labour Unions Share Messages of Solidarity With Trans Labour Members

The 11 trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party published a statement of support with the trans and non-binary community.

Published: 28 September 2026

Music stands for theatre musicians in an orchestra pit.

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

New right to work rules could change how musicians and deps are engaged from 1 October 2026. Read about the proposed new rules, who may be affected and what MU members need to know.

Published: 24 September 2026

Three people sitting on a long sofa being filmed for BBC Breakfast.

MU Tackles Busking Bans on BBC Breakfast

MU Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall spoke to BBC Breakfast about busking bans in cities across England following the introduction of a PSPO in Coventry.

Published: 24 September 2026

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Two female session musicians in the studio, one playing bass and the other singing into a microphone. The sound technician is sitting at the mixing desk, turned towards them.

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

From recovering unpaid fees to distributing royalties, MU services helped secure £3.2 million for musicians in 2025. Your membership pays off.

Published: 29 May 2026

Buskers and supporters, some wearing M U t-shirts, gathered around a singer, holding placards saying “Street Music is Not a Crime’. ‘Keep Music Live’, and ‘Westminster, Stop Killing Culture”.

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Buskers are continuing their high-profile campaign, calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace what was lost.

Published: 15 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

A musician in a recording studio sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard next to him.

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

With Scotland’s elections fast approaching, we’re calling on musicians to help secure real change by signing the petition for Fair Work across the nation’s creative industries.

Published: 02 April 2026

Ruth and Siân, standing in a bright indoor space holding a large poster of the front cover of the new Engaging Creative Freelancers Guide.

New Bilingual Guide Champions Fair Work for Creative Freelancers in Wales

CULT Cymru, in partnership with the Musicians’ Union, has published a bilingual best practice guide to support creative freelancers, venues and organisations in creating fairer, safer working environments across Wales’ creative sector.

Published: 04 March 2026

Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

MU Calls on Political Parties and Candidates to Back Musicians’ Manifesto for Wales Ahead of Senedd Election

Add your voice to the call for action to improve cultural provision and musicians’ careers across Wales.

Published: 17 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, and activists and musicians Maddie Morris, Stu and Keith Xander at the 2025 panel event.

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

Liverpool Sound City has announced it will introduce Access Riders for all artists and speakers at its 2026 festival, following an MU-led disability access panel and ongoing collaboration with the Union.

Published: 27 January 2026

Back of a women playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage.

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

A new report has been published by researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, representing the largest evidence base on harassment within Scottish Folk Music.

Published: 22 January 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

The Scottish flag, flying over an old stone building in Edinburgh.

Task Force Sets Out New Fair Work Recommendations for Scotland’s Creative Industries

The landmark Fair Work Task Force report outlines 16 recommendations to tackle precarious employment, strengthen workers’ rights and improve conditions across Scotland’s culture and creative industries.

Published: 11 December 2025

An orchestra rehearsal with young people playing various instruments, two have adaptive instruments.

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Celebrate UK Disability History Month 2025 with this curated round-up of news and resources for disabled musicians and anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge and allyship. Discover funding tips, networking opportunities, MU support and more.

Published: 05 December 2025

Young adult women with red hair in a recording studio, looking at a laptop while playing keyboard.

Youth Music Report Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Young Creatives in the Music Industry

Youth Music’s 'Just the Way It Is?' report, developed with the MU, highlights the safety issues, discrimination and exploitation still affecting young people in music and offers clear recommendations for change.

Published: 04 December 2025

Boating Lake at Highfields Park - a public area in the grounds of the University of Nottingham.

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

Music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham while the university’s council decides whether to terminate the courses permanently. Read our open letter to the University's Vice Chancellor.

Published: 25 November 2025

A group of buskers standing on the steps of Westminster Council holding campaign placards.

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

Buskers went to Westminster Council to speak to their representatives about new viable, accessible pitches for the festive season and beyond.

Published: 24 November 2025

Exterior shot of the research building at Nottingham University.

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

A consultation to close music at Nottingham is the latest in a string of proposed university music closures.

Published: 06 November 2025

A group of young workers raising their fists in solidarity on a march and holding signs for fair work.

Take Part in Young Workers’ Month this November

Celebrate the impact of young members and build trade union representation where you are this TUC Young Workers’ Month.

Published: 06 November 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Busker Luke Silva backs the campaign for new viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster in his latest video.

Published: 05 November 2025

Out of focus interior of a venue, lights over an empty stage set for a panel, in front of a crowd.

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Returning on 13 November, the MU will host a panel discussion on the state of fair work in the creative industries, as well as one-to-one advice sessions for members attending.

Published: 04 November 2025

Five wooden blocks with the outline of people apart from one which is a weighing scales, representing fair work.

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

29 organisations across Scotland have become the first to endorse a new Fair Work for Freelancers checklist, developed by trade unions representing the creative sector alongside the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

Published: 31 October 2025

A pair of hands playing a piano with a sheet of music paper to compose.

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

Take part in our Fair Score survey for composers and help us build a clear picture of commissioning practices - and be in with a chance of winning a £100 gift voucher.

Published: 09 October 2025

Naomi Pohl speaking on stage at a Labour Party Conference 2025.

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

There’s money in music but it doesn’t go to musicians, Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells Labour Party Conference 2025.

Published: 30 September 2025

Professional singers rehearsing on stage holding sheet music.

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published: 25 September 2025

Wood cube with the figure of a person on, hands outstretched holding scales in each one which are evenly balanced.

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to keep key rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

Published: 14 August 2025

Close up exterior of the venue with steps to the entrance with a big sign saying 'Rock City - established in 1980'.

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

We’re asking MU members to support a petition highlighting the exploitation of workers at the world-famous venue Rock City in Nottingham.

Published: 18 June 2025

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

This webinar, exclusive for MU members, uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector.

Published: 30 April 2025

Member only Read more about Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

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

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TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber Pays Tribute to Northern Ballet Members

Labour Unions Share Messages of Solidarity With Trans Labour Members

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

MU Tackles Busking Bans on BBC Breakfast

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

New Bilingual Guide Champions Fair Work for Creative Freelancers in Wales

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

MU Calls on Political Parties and Candidates to Back Musicians’ Manifesto for Wales Ahead of Senedd Election

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

Task Force Sets Out New Fair Work Recommendations for Scotland’s Creative Industries

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Youth Music Report Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Young Creatives in the Music Industry

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

Take Part in Young Workers’ Month this November

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

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

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling