News & Stories for Musicians

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MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

36 trade union general secretaries –including the MU’s – have signed a letter to the PM, calling on him to take a different path to that recommended in the report from the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities.

Published: 20 April 2021

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We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

We launched our new Disabled Musicians Membership this week, with the intention of recruiting, retaining and helping to level the playing field for disabled musicians.

Published: 16 April 2021

White painted chairs set out with socially distanced amount of space between them, outdoors.

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 April 2021

A woman working at home is leaning over her laptop, she is concentrating but smiling slightly with a large pair of earphones around her neck.

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

The Ivors Academy and the MU have launched a new campaign, Composers Against Buyouts, to oppose unethical business practices that damage media composers’ rights, earnings and careers.

Published: 29 March 2021

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New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

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Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

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Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), of which the MU is a member, has signed an open letter calling for reconsideration of the “policing bill”, co-ordinated by Liberty and Friends of the Earth and co-signed by 244 other organisations.

Published: 25 March 2021

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DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 March 2021

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Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

The Government has agreed in the House of Lords to ask police forces to treat misogyny as a hate crime from the autumn.

Published: 18 March 2021

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MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Session musicians continue to benefit from the use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes, and our total distribution of royalties for 2021 so far have exceeded £500k.

Published: 17 March 2021

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MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

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Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

The MU are concerned that the Government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, and will increase discrimination and undermine democracy.

Published: 15 March 2021

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Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

If you have ten minutes, take part in Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age’s anonymous survey - and help their research into how streaming affects music creators’ earnings.

Published: 10 March 2021

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BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

The producer of BBC Three documentary “Music’s Dirty Secrets: Women Fight Back,” is now working on a follow up program and is looking to talking to individuals who feel they have been prevented from speaking out about their experience of sexual harassment or assault.

Published: 10 March 2021

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New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

We’ve published new guidance on Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements for employed and self-employed musicians, which we hope will help with some of your concerns during the return to work.

Published: 05 March 2021

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PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

An update on PRS for Music which clarifies various aspects of their licences for online ticketed events.

Published: 18 February 2021

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The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, have welcomed the UK Government’s firm commitment to solve the critical issues facing touring post-Brexit.

Published: 18 February 2021

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Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

The TUC and Stand Up To Racism have called for a day of mobilisation on Thursday 18 February, using the day to build awareness and participation in preparation for UN Anti Racism Day on 20 March.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

Power Up is a new ambitious, long-term initiative which will support Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Published: 17 February 2021

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We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Concerned at the UK Government’s intentions to review the human rights framework and judicial review, we have come together with numerous organisations, charities and trades unions to present a joint statement.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

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Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021

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New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

A number of major labels took centre stage in the latest session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s music streaming inquiry.

Published: 25 January 2021

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Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

Following rumours that the Government has plans to further water down workplace rights, including rest breaks, paid holiday entitlement and time spent on-call – we’ve released a joint statement with eleven other unions.

Published: 25 January 2021

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TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

The TUC have released a report calling for a temporary legal right to access the furlough scheme for parents, those with caring responsibilities and people who cannot work because they are required to shield.

Published: 22 January 2021

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Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

We encourage members to take part in the Fawcett Society’s call for evidence on sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly to make sure that freelance voices are heard.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 January 2021

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BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

We’ve released a joint statement with the BBC, following the recent unfortunate situation that resulted in Amaraterra not appearing on It Takes Two.

Published: 15 December 2020

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Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020

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Artists Called to Give Evidence in Person at Streaming Inquiry

Musicians Tom Gray, Nadine Shah, Guy Garvey and Ed O’Brien will be giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

Published: 20 November 2020

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Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Further clarification from the Scottish Government means that we have now updated our guidance for teachers in Scotland, with more detailed advice for working across the five tier system.

Published: 20 November 2020

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Calling All Songwriters, Composers and Performers: A #FixStreaming Update

Have your say in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into music streaming – you now have until Friday 11 December to submit your thoughts.

Published: 17 November 2020

Got Five Minutes? Take Action to Fix Streaming Now

This is a defining moment in our industry. Whether you’ve got five minutes or thirty minutes, take action now to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 November 2020

Photograph of a young mother, playing on a guitar whilst being distracted by a toddler who is reaching out to the instrument. They are both smiling.

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed have pointed out that self-employed women who have taken maternity leave between 2016 and 2019 will miss out in the calculation of their SEISS entitlement

Published: 10 November 2020

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ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

In an update to our story on ATG calling for singers, musicians and other performers to work for free at their venue – the theatre organisation has now confirmed that musicians will be paid for their performances.

Published: 17 September 2020

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

Several campaigning cultural organisations have joined together to create a new guide for the arts and entertainment sectors to support disability inclusion.

Published: 15 September 2020

Woman talking in a microphone, she appears to be recording something for a talk broadcast.

New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Women are underrepresented in UK radio according to a new report that reveals 81% of songs in the Top 100 Radio Airplay chart feature men.

Published: 24 August 2020

'This is not a hobby, it's our profession' #WorkNotPlayMU

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

The Musicians’ Union has received new reports of venues and events asking musicians to work for free. This is not acceptable.

Published: 19 August 2020

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MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

Artists Called to Give Evidence in Person at Streaming Inquiry

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Calling All Songwriters, Composers and Performers: A #FixStreaming Update

Got Five Minutes? Take Action to Fix Streaming Now

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic