X Factor shuns Musicians' Union

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has accused the bosses of TV hit show X Factor of discrimination after it asked for violinists to perform on the show as long as they were not MU members

The union said it saw an email which was sent out to music colleges offering work at below union rates to “camera friendly” violinists — but only if they were not MU members

MU general secretary said: “This email is not only outrageous — it is illegal. What makes it even more concerning is the fact that we spoke to Talkback Thames some weeks ago about this issue.

Labour MP John McDonnell has taken up the issue in a Commons motion. He said: “A successful show like the X Factor should be setting a good example and paying its musicians a decent wage.”