The experiences of women in the music industry is part of an ongoing and pernicious issue in the Creative Industries more broadly. Reports from gaming to the #MeToo movement that started in screen industries have consistently reported issues of misogyny, bullying and harassment. Whilst high profile names have come forwards and reported these issues the majority of victims are unable to come forwards, particularly if they are working freelance.

As singer Rebecca Ferguson notes the power lies with individuals who hold some power over your ability to maintain employment in a precarious and unregulated labour market. This is as true for a jobbing musician who needs to be hired by a conductor or musical director as it is for a singer trying to make their name as a solo artist.

What is alarming is that this is seen across the sector. The Creative Industries relies upon a legion of freelance workers who are available for short-term employment contracts as and when they arise. The freelance workers must try to impress those who have the power to hire them (or not). They must also ensure that they do not gain a reputation for ‘being difficult’ as this will jeopardise future work opportunities not just with the individual perpetrator but within the relatively closed fields in which people know each other.

The introduction of a Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is a welcome development which would have a remit beyond the music profession. This emerged from the previous call for an Independent Standards Authority in 2022, following Creative UK’s ‘Time’s Up’ consultation.

The CIISA was created in September 2022 with the aim of providing services by the end of 2024. With so much at stake for freelance workers in the sector and without any clear indication of how it would protect those who come forwards it is unclear at this stage how effective it can be without being aligned with greater access to employment rights and a more regulated labour market for freelance workers in the sector.