Parents and Carers

Parents and carers make huge contributions to families and communities throughout the UK, but the associated challenges while juggling a career in music should not be underestimated. It’s important that parents and carers can access information and support about their rights and wellbeing.

Guidance

Maternity, Adoption and Parental Rights: Full Guide

Guidance for musicians on work rights during pregnancy, maternity, paternity and adoption including leave, pay and returning to work.

Musicians Who Are Unpaid Carers: Full Guide

Rights and advice for unpaid carers, and how carers can take care of their own health and wellbeing.

News & features

Latest updates for parents and carers.

A pair of hands surrounding cut-out paper chain of human figures.

CIISA Launches Confidential Reporting Service for Creative Industries

Workers and organisations across the music, theatre, film and TV sectors can now report concerns of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices through CIISA's new confidential reporting service.

Published: 13 October 2026

A woman sat on the floor playing acoustic guitar while a baby reaches out to her and the instrument.

New MU Survey Explores Free Childcare for Working Musicians

The MU is surveying musicians who are parents or carers of children under 18 to understand how current free childcare provision works for those in the industry and to explore alternative models better suited to their working patterns.

Published: 07 October 2026

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

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

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

Mothers Write 2025: Applications Open for Mothers in Music to Join Songwriting Camp

Songwriters who are mothers can now apply for the 2025 edition of Mothers Write, a songwriting camp for mothers in music to enhance their skills and career development.

Published: 16 January 2025

PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts)

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