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MU Supports Maternity Action’s call for Rise in State Maternity Pay

Maternity Action are renewing their call for the basic rate to rise, at the very least, to parity with a 35-hour week on the National Living Wage, following the release of Sunak’s Spring Budget.

Published: 07 April 2022 | 2:06 PM
A mother cradles a very young baby in her arms, against sunlight beaming in from a window.
Maternity Action have pointed out that new mothers and their babies are bearing the brunt of this poverty crisis. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the Spring Budget, the new basic rate maternity and parental pay will be just £156.66 per week from April. This equates to just 47% of the National Living Wage (for a 35-hour week at the adult rate of £9.50 per hour).

Maternity Action have pointed out that new mothers and their babies are bearing the brunt of this poverty crisis.

Their recent survey of women on maternity leave found that half of new mums (51%) relied on credit cards or loans to get by, while a similar proportion (52%) felt forced to return to work early because of money worries. 96% worried about money a lot or sometimes during maternity leave, and 56% said money worries impacted their health and wellbeing during pregnancy and maternity leave.

Read the full report on Maternity Action’s website.

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From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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Black and white newspaper clipping image of Gerry smiling sat a piano.

Tribute to Gerry Collins aka Gerald Isaacson ATCL LTCL

Gerry was a MU member for 45 years, and a gifted musician and educator. He passed away on 1 January 2023 after a long, rich and varied career. This tribute has been provided by his wife Diana and daughter Natasha.

Published: 16 May 2024

Read more about Tribute to Gerry Collins aka Gerald Isaacson ATCL LTCL
Empty stage with drum kit, cast in green light in a small music venue.

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

We welcome the recommendations made to Government in the report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS), and are hopeful that we can use this opportunity to start to repair the grassroots live scene for all involved.

Published: 14 May 2024

Read more about MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues
A young man in a wheel chair writing in his journal and working on his computer.

What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?

Catch up with musician Balraj Samrai, Labour MP John McDonnell and others on why unions should support a universal basic income (UBI), plus find out how you can be part of the movement too.

Published: 13 May 2024

Read more about What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?
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