News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of someone writing into a notebook wearing a white coat in what appears to be a medical setting

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

Lady Nade and Her Songs From the Heart

Singer-songwriter Lady Nade, a rising star on the UK Americana scene, talks about creating songs inspired by love, family and friendships.

Published: 27 December 2021

Stage with bright lights and microphones ready for concert

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, incidences of musicians being asked to play for free are still rife. Neil Crossley examines how the MU is responding and what musicians can do.

Published: 23 December 2021

A hand holds up a red and white megaphone against a pale pink background.

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

Musician performing on a stage, they are singing into a microphone and a crowd is blurred in the background.

MU Appeals for Further Support For Freelancers in Letter to DCMS Secretary of State

The MU’s Deputy General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, has written to Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries, calling for Arts Council England to make funds available to freelancers.

Published: 23 December 2021

A drummer is playing on a kit in their home, a laptop computer set up near them is recording the performance.

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

A guitarist faces out into a crowd, lit with warm purple and yellow lighting.

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021

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Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

Take part in the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Committee’s anonymous survey, and help them build a safer and more equal world of work for all.

Published: 15 December 2021

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MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

As part of the MU's work to support Afghan refugees and musicians, the EC has voted to donate to two nominated charities.

Published: 09 December 2021

Red guitar case on street open for donations to busker, crowd out of focus in background

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Despite the recent reintroduction of mandatory face coverings, festive performances can still continue this year, thanks to the work of Busk in London.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

A child around 10 years old sits at a computer screen, playing on a clarinet

MU Welcomes New Funding Commitment for Music Education in Wales

£6.82 million has been pledged to cover musical instruments and resources in Wales, with additional funding and policy details to follow.

Published: 07 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

Claire Mooney holds up the award, standing next to the Mayor of Manchester with a festive christmas tree in the background

MU Member Receives Mayor’s Award

Claire Mooney, recent North of England Regional Committee member has received an award of special recognition.

Published: 07 December 2021

The famous Abbey Road crossing, with zebra crossing and day light.

Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Online channel slipped disk has published an assessment of the recording industry which stands in complete contrast to the recent experience of those who regularly work in London’s principal and world-famous facilities.

Published: 06 December 2021

Campaigner holds a sign which reads Fix Streaming in a crowd of musicians at Parliament Square, London.

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and Broken Record will continue the campaign to fix streaming despite Kevin Brennan MP’s Copyright (Rights And Remuneration Of Musicians) Private Members' Bill not passing today.

Published: 03 December 2021

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

A special guest blog from BSL interpreter Stephanie Raper about the importance of performance in interpreting and providing access to music for the D/deaf community.

Published: 03 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

Touring crates being unloaded from a van with man in hat, standing in background

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

Lucy Powell MP stands with microphone, she's wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. The crowd is out of focus.

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

A pair of pale blue denim shoes on painted white floorboards.

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed submitted an appeal about the disproportionate impact SEISS calculations have on new mothers, which has now been accepted with the caveat that the urgency of the situation justified the discrimination.

Published: 29 November 2021

An arrow painted on a tarmac road points towards a bright blur of setting sun.

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

A woman with grey hair sits on a sofa with two opened notebooks, looking at a laptop computer.

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MusicTeachers.co.uk, which partnered with the MU to offer free online listings for music teachers, has announced that its free service will end ahead of a relaunch early next year.

Published: 29 November 2021

Energetic group of demonstraitors hold instruments in Parliament Square, London.

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

Thank you to all the MPs who attended a photocall in support of Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members’ Bill to fix streaming.

Published: 26 November 2021

A collection of protestors stand in parliament square holding signs which read

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

MPs joined musicians and music creators in Parliament Square to show their support for Kevin Brennan MP's Private Members’ Bill.

Published: 26 November 2021

A hand holds up a megaphone against a lilac pink background

Petition Launched to Protect Iconic Manchester Music Venue The Night and Day Café

The petition is calling for Manchester City Council to remove the Noise Abatement Notice on the Night and Day Café and address the real issue in ill-considered planning and construction next to a pre-existing live music business.

Published: 26 November 2021

Grey skys over westminister bridge, with the houses of parliament and big ben in view in the background.

Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

Two musicians both on guitar playing in what appears to be a small pub environment

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Covering topics including Covid-19 secure approaches to the future, international marketing tips, and getting your music on TV and radio – Wide Days have just released a selection of useful recordings on their youtube channel, following their 2021 Scottish Music Convention.

Published: 18 November 2021

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

Electronic musician Robin Rimbaud has been producing music under the name Scanner for many years now. Here he explains his methods of creation and hopes for the future.

Published: 17 November 2021

People sitting on steps at Primavera Sound 2015 Festival

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Visas are no longer required for musicians for a short term work when travelling to Spain.

Published: 17 November 2021

Photograph of a singer holding a microphone up to their face against a purple misty background, the rest of the image is in shadow.

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Rosie Frater Taylor on a sofa with her guitar

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Singer-songwriter Rosie Frater-Taylor talking about why making her genre-straddling second album Bloom was a coming-of-age experience.

Published: 15 November 2021

Member only Read more about Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Photograph of a young person playing on a rainbow coloured instrument

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

This article is a transcript of a talk given by Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, for the Westminster Education Forum policy conference entitled “Next Steps for Music Education in England”. This event took place online on 10 November.

Published: 12 November 2021

Silhouette of a person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

An electronic music instrument, the Theremin, is on a stand on a stage with a performer stood with their hands ready to play it.

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November

Supported by Arts Council England and The Granada Foundation, Delia Derbyshire Day will be providing electronic music education and inspiration. The theme of this year’s events, workshops and commissioned new art is imagination.

Published: 12 November 2021

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Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Lady Nade and Her Songs From the Heart

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Appeals for Further Support For Freelancers in Letter to DCMS Secretary of State

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

MU Welcomes New Funding Commitment for Music Education in Wales

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

MU Member Receives Mayor’s Award

Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

Petition Launched to Protect Iconic Manchester Music Venue The Night and Day Café

Brexit Lobbying Update

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November