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 young female musicians playing an electric piano in a recording studio.

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

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 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

A rectangle asset with a white background and pink and black design elements.

Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

MU members who are parents and/or carers can now join a six-week group for mental health support and career guidance.

Published: 30 September 2024

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Amber Leight provides care for over 35 hours a week, and works as a musician and music teacher for 17 hours a week. In this guest-blog, she shares her day-to-day experience and challenges.

Published: 25 July 2024

MU Members Move Motions for Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

MU members Hailey Willington and Sarah Williams represented the MU at the TUC Women’s Conference from 6-8 March, moving motions tackling unpaid caring work, the gender pay gap, and the gender pension gap.

Published: 14 March 2024

Update for Self-Employed Women Musicians Regarding Maternity Allowance

The issue of Keeping in Touch (KIT) days for musicians receiving Maternity Allowance is something the MU has previously lobbied on via motions to TUC Womens Conference. Read more about a recent DWP tribunal decision regarding this below.

Published: 20 September 2023

PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts)

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Be a changemaker

Learn what we do to make the industry inclusive and diverse, and how you can get involved in making a change.

Get involved

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches