News & Stories for Musicians

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Let The Music Play Campaign Launches Second Phase

UK Music’s Let The Music Play campaign has launched its second phase, calling for further support for the live sector during these difficult times.

Published: 04 August 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Jazz bar with a stage with black piano and cello

The MU Reacts to Government Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs and Bars Reopening

The MU's Live Performance Department look at the latest Government guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars - and the bitter blow it delivers for live music.

Published: 29 June 2020

Photograph of a judges gavel and a weighing scale showing equality.

Sexual Harassment Court Case Success

The Evening Standard has covered the outcome of a court case fought by the MU as a result of sexual harassment reports made to our Safe Space service.

Published: 15 June 2020

a mother holding her daughter on her shoulders

Legal Action Against the Chancellor for Indirect Sex Discrimination Supported by MU

Pregnancy rights charity, Pregnant then Screwed, with support from Doughty Street Chambers and law firm Leigh Day, is threatening legal proceedings against the Chancellor for discriminating against women in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Published: 12 June 2020

an illustration for Broken Record appeal featuring a person at their home full of music records

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

The Broken Record Appeal aims to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of Coronavirus. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Broken Record Appeal and the associated Festival planned for 24th May.

Published: 11 May 2020

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

The Conservatives have won an overall majority in the general election. It’s now almost certain that we will get a Tory Brexit, which means musicians are likely to face new barriers to working in the EU post-Brexit.

Published: 13 December 2019

Poster with illustration of two women dancing happily reading #ForTheLoveOfMusic, find out more at theMU.org/safespace

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

A recent MU survey revealed 48% of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Over 85% did not report it.

Published: 06 December 2019

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019

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Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

A recent MU survey revealed that 48% of musicians have been sexually harassed at work. Take action now for stronger laws to prevent sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photograph of miniature placard at a march reading

Attempt to Stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit Supported by the MU

Staying in the European Union is still the best option for musicians. The MU supports Parliament’s attempts to stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, and calls for a People’s Vote.

Published: 04 September 2019

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Following the agreement being implemented in 2018 for a 3 year period.

Published: 28 August 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

MU to Spotlight Harassment and Abuse in Music Industry at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2018

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be taking a delegation of Union members to the annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) LGBT+ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2018

Musicians' Union expresses dismay at European Union Youth Orchestra’s decision to leave London

The European Union Youth Orchestra is the second orchestra to announce it’s leaving the UK since the Brexit referendum last year, in part due to concerns over restricted freedom of movement for working musicians.

Published: 12 October 2017

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

This year, we’re proud to be doing more than ever to support, engage and celebrate our LGBT+ members.

Published: 17 May 2017

Midlands TUC Cultural Manifesto

The Culture Manifesto aims to achieve a sustainable cultural economy, and provide long term work opportunities for musicians and other creative workers.

Published: 24 April 2017

Image of studio microphone on red background

Freelancers are Losing £5k a Year to Free Work

This Young Workers’ Month, we look at the stats on working for no fee in the creative industries and how young musicians can protect themselves.

Published: 14 November 2016

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