The UK Government is being urged to act decisively to improve inclusion in the music industry. According to UK Music's 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey, only 6% of workers identify as gay, while heterosexual employees form the majority at over three-quarters. Bisexual and queer workers represent just under 5% and 3% respectively, and transgender employees make up less than 2% of the workforce.
The survey highlights gender disparity, with fewer women in senior roles compared to mid and entry-level positions. Nevertheless, female senior representation has risen from 40.4% in 2020 to 48.3% in 2024. Representation of black, Asian, and ethnically diverse individuals has also increased, particularly in the 16 to 24 age group, where it rose from 21% in 2021 to 40.6% in 2024.
Ammo Talwar MBE, Chairman of UK Music's Diversity Taskforce, acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for more efforts to ensure that talent from all socio-economic backgrounds is adequately represented in the industry. Talwar emphasized the necessity for the next government to continue working towards removing barriers to achieve greater diversity.