News & Stories for Musicians

Male musician composing an electronic music score at a computer and laptop.

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Although deals are yet to be agreed, the imposition of tariffs on films produced outside of the US could severely impact the UK’s film and television industry, which currently invests around £80m in musicians.

Published: 13 May 2025

Naomi Pohl holding a sign saying 'Don't let AI steal our music - make it fair' in front of Parliament with a large demo group.

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

The MU took part in a demo outside parliament today, organised by UK Music, to highlight creator and performer concerns about the potential impact of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) on their rights and future careers.

Published: 07 May 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

A full conference room with a screen in the middle of the back wall that says

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

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

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Close up of sound engineer recording a live orchestra.

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

The MU and players in over 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter to call upon the Government to urgently address the lack of streaming royalties for musicians.

Published: 04 April 2025

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Three children sat in a semicircle in a music classroom, having a guitar lesson from a tutor.

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Following the publication of an interim report from the government’s Curriculum Review, our open letter to ministers highlights the desperate need to make space for the arts in schools.

Published: 31 March 2025

School students in a music lesson learning on keyboards.

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

The MU welcomes the news, which we hope will be central to the Labour Government’s delivery on its pledges to boost music and arts education in England.

Published: 19 March 2025

The outside of the Government's Department for Work and Pensions in London.

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

The UK Government has announced plans for major welfare reforms, proposing cuts to disability benefits including personal independence payments (PIP).

Published: 18 March 2025

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

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

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Close up of white government building in Westminster, London, with black words engraved into stone saying HM Treasury.

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

Music education and arts funding need urgent investment to protect jobs and the future of music.

Published: 13 February 2025

MPs and representatives from the CMM, sat along a table for dinner at Parliament, to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

It comes at a crucial point in Creator Remuneration Working Group negotiations to fix streaming and get a better deal for musicians and music creators.

Published: 13 February 2025

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

This week Labour-affiliated unions, including the Musicians’ Union, met Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss workers’ rights.

Published: 06 February 2025

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the evening.

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, to discuss a range of topics including our fix streaming campaign, the need for protection of creators’ rights in relation to AI, and more.

Published: 30 January 2025

Exterior of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music from the river.

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Last week MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl attended an economic growth summit, where British music and film exports, grassroots venues and more, were promised investment as part of a new support package to drive growth in the creative industries.

Published: 24 January 2025

Waving flag of Scotland with Oban Bay in the background.

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Take the 15-minute survey launched by the Scottish Government to assess how the culture sector is supported in Scotland.

Published: 16 January 2025

Close up of burning tea lights against a dark background.

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

The MU supports the Miscarriage Association's Leave for Every Loss campaign, which today called for a vital change in the law so that women and their partners who experience a pre-24 week pregnancy loss have the legal right to take bereavement leave from work.

Published: 12 December 2024

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

Young boy playing violin, reading sheet music, in a music classroom at school.

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

We highlighted unequal access to music education and the urgent need to reverse the marginalisation of arts subjects in schools under the last Government.

Published: 05 December 2024

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

UK Music’s annual economic report shows a record year for the music industry, while musicians affected by Brexit continue to see their earnings fall.

Published: 20 November 2024

Naomi Pohl and Alex Sobel MP holding black Musicians’ Union t-shirts that say ‘It’s time to fix streaming’.

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Government has responded to further recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on music streaming and how to fix it.

Published: 07 November 2024

Two secondary school students in uniform reading music and playing a keyboard in class.

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

The Government is running a Curriculum and Assessment Review, with a call for evidence that anyone can complete by the deadline of 22 November.

Published: 05 November 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves standing at a podium.

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

The Musicians' Union reacts to the Labour Government's new budget and explores what it could mean for the creative industries, music and musicians.

Published: 31 October 2024

Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

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

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

Labour affiliate union general secretaries standing outside 11 Downing Street.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Part of TULO Delegation

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, along with general secretaries from unions across the country, met with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss economic policy affecting workers, including the issues of music streaming and live music venues.

Published: 03 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

A photo of orchestra musicians wearing campaign t-shirts and holding placards, with one speaking into a megaphone.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra took Action Short of Strike on Saturday 21 September.

Published: 24 September 2024

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Working people from across the union movement have backed the MU’s call for increased arts funding to protect jobs and access to world class art for everyone.

Published: 13 September 2024

A conference room full of people with a speaker on the stage.

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Unions call on TUC to lobby government to implement the recommendations from the Misogyny in Music report in full.

Published: 13 September 2024

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MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

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

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

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

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Part of TULO Delegation

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report