Workplace Rights and Legislation

Your workplace rights you need to know when working as a musician, explained.

Essential advice

Legal review

Aggregator Digital Distribution Services

A review of the terms and conditions of six of the most popular aggregators

Employment Rights & Advice

It is essential that you know if you are an employee, a worker or self-employed musician.

Member service

Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

Get legal advice and guidance from a specialist employment lawyer.

Data Protection

Advice and guidance on GDPR completed with some music industry specific case studies.

Partnerships for Musicians

If the members of the band are sharing income and debts, then the broad view is that they are in partnership. Find out what this means.

Member service

Partnership Advisory Service

Provided that the musicians in a band or group are sharing income and debts, then the broad view is that you are all in 'partnership'. That’s where our Partnership Advisory Service comes in.

Copyright and performer rights

The basics

Copyright, Moral Rights and Performers' Rights

What music copyright laws are, how you can acquire copyright, what are moral rights and performers' rights.

Songwriters and Composers

Proving and Protecting your Musical Property

Who owns the song copyright and how to prove it.

Copyright Laws for Music Teachers

Teaching music and staying within copyright law

Member service

Legal Advice & Assistance

Expert advice and support with unpaid fees, disputes and other legal issues at work.

Music recording

Copyright for Performers in a Sound Recording

Guidance for recording musicians on copyright and performers' rights.

Guidance on equality rights

Disabled Musicians' Workplace Rights

Your rights as a working disabled musicians, explained.

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Find out about what neurodiversity means, how to support colleagues in the workplace, and where to find further support and help

Sexual Harassment at Work

What is sexual harassment, who is protected and who is liable. Guidance, support and help resources for self-employed and employed musicians.

Menopause at Work

Guidance and a sample policy to help workplaces support people experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights at Work

Your rights as a parent and a working musician, explained

Carer's Rights

Guidance for musicians with unpaid caring responsibilities.

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

Tell us about it See all Campaigns

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

MU Calls on Political Parties and Candidates to Back Musicians’ Manifesto for Wales Ahead of Senedd Election

Add your voice to the call for action to improve cultural provision and musicians’ careers across Wales.

Published: 17 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

Back of a women playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage.

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

A new report has been published by researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, representing the largest evidence base on harassment within Scottish Folk Music.

Published: 22 January 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

See all latest news

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Use your voice

Popular searches

Workplace Rights and Legislation

Essential advice

Aggregator Digital Distribution Services

Employment Rights & Advice

Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

Data Protection

Partnerships for Musicians

Partnership Advisory Service

Copyright and performer rights

Copyright, Moral Rights and Performers' Rights

Proving and Protecting your Musical Property

Copyright Laws for Music Teachers

Legal Advice & Assistance

Copyright for Performers in a Sound Recording

Guidance on equality rights

Disabled Musicians' Workplace Rights

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Sexual Harassment at Work

Menopause at Work

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights at Work

Carer's Rights

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

MU Calls on Political Parties and Candidates to Back Musicians’ Manifesto for Wales Ahead of Senedd Election

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch