MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in ...

Published: 07 May 2024 | 3:02 PM

Dear Kemi Badenoch,

I am writing to you to express my deep disappointment with the Government's response to the Women and Equalities Committee Misogyny in Music report.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that the report highlighted, the Government has offered nothing of substance that would support the music industry to become a fairer, more equitable place for all musicians.

The publication of the Misogyny in Music report was a pivotal moment for the music industry and for the first time exposed the scale of the very real issues women working as musicians face. The appetite for change in the music industry right now is at a peak and the Musicians’ Union had hoped this would be matched by support from the Government.

As the trade union for UK musicians, we work with the music industry to ensure safe and equitable workplaces for our members. Where there is bad practice and our members experience misogyny, sexual harassment, abuse, and discrimination, we need a legislative framework that supports us to seek justice on behalf of our members and that would help stamp out these behaviours.

I believe that the Women and Equalities Committee report set out recommendations that are entirely reasonable, and would support the Musicians’ Union’s aim of creating a music industry free from discrimination and harassment. I would urge you to reconsider the Government's response to the report and prioritise the implementation of three of the recommendations:

Extend the limitation periods for discrimination and sexual harassment claims to six months. Increasing the time limit for bringing claims to the employment tribunal would support musicians who experience discrimination and sexual harassment as it allows more time to process the potentially traumatic experiences they have been through. It also gives the Musicians’ Union more time to provide the right support and advice to our members. Bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the use of non-disclosure and other forms of confidentiality agreements in cases involving sexual abuse, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, bullying or harassment and discrimination. NDAs are currently being misused to cover up discriminatory behaviours, sexual harassment and to protect perpetrators. The misuse of NDAs is a significant issue for our members and for the wider creative industries. Government has recognised the need to restrict the use of NDAs in the higher section sector and prohibits universities from entering into NDAs regarding complaints of sexual misconduct, abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination. Bring forward legislative proposals to extend the protections relating to discrimination and harassment in the Equality Act 2010 to include all freelancers. This is a particular issue for our members, and a clear gap in legislation that needs closing to ensure that musicians, regardless of the way they work, have a clear route to justice.

The Government maintains that everyone should be able to work without being subject to misogyny and discrimination. I would ask that you support the music industry to realise that aim by implementing the recommendations above.

Yours Sincerely,

Naomi Pohl

MU General Secretary