skip to main content

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Government is gathering evidence on whether current laws on protecting people from sexual harassment in the workplace are effective.

Published: 19 July 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Hand held palm out
Signalling for a stop. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The consultation has two parts; a technical consultation for organisations and a short survey for the general public.

The MU is calling on all members to complete the short survey.

You can find guidance on how to answer the questions critical to protecting freelancers on the MU blog, Learn.

The survey closes on Wednesday 2 October.

#ThisIsNotWorking

The MU has joined forces with the TUC and an alliance of trade unions and women’s rights organisations to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Our laws rely on individuals reporting their harassment, but four in five feel unable to tell their employer.

It should not be down to the individual to prevent and manage their harassment alone.

We need the Government to strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens.

Together, we're demanding a new, easily enforceable legal duty, requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to protect workers from sexual harassment and victimisation.

Join our call for the Government to take immediate action. Sign the petition now.

What next?

If you’re an MU member, log in to My MU to make sure your communications preferences are up to date and you have opted in to receiving news updates from the MU.

If you’re not an MU member, you can sign up as an MU Supporter for free to hear more about this, and other MU campaigns.

If you face sexual harassment at work

No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination at work.

If you have, whatever your role in the music industry, you can report it in confidence at safespace@theMU.org. We are listening.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Martin Bowen
Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords