The Musicians' Union in the U.K. is calling on the British Government to better protect musicians after a study suggested that almost half have experienced sexual harassment at work, with 85% of victims not feeling able to report incidents. Findings were based on responses from 725 members.

In the study, conducted by the MU, workplace culture was cited as the greatest barrier to reporting harassment (55%), followed by fear of losing work (41%), expectations that the issue would not be handled appropriately (32%) and fear of not being believed or taken seriously (27%).

Naomi Pohl, Deputy General Secretary at the Musicians’ Union, said: “We are aware of far too many cases of talented musicians, particularly young or emerging artists, leaving the industry altogether due to sexism, sexual harassment or abuse. Many musicians who have gone public with their story are now being taken to court for defamation—evidence of the situation we’re dealing with.

“Survivors are often unable to speak out because the consequences for their career or personal life are devastating. In most cases we’re aware of, the survivor ends up leaving the workplace or the industry and there are very few consequences for the perpetrator."

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