X Factor 'didn't want union member musicians', claims Labour MP

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Communities

A Labour MP has accused ITV talent show The X Factor of discrimination against trade union members.

John McDonnell said "camera friendly" female violinists were hired for live shows on the condition they were not members of the Musicians' Union.

The Hayes and Harlington MP condemned the move in a Commons motion, saying: "A successful show like the X Factor should be setting a good example and paying its musicians a decent wage."

X Factor researchers allegedly sent an email to music colleges earlier this month asking for a number of "camera-friendly, confident female violinists" to perform live.

Mr McDonnell's motion noted that "this offer was based on the condition that applicants were not to be Musicians' Union members" and said "this not only discriminates against trade union members, it also discriminates on the grounds of sex".

The motion is so far supported by seven Labour MPs.

Matt Cardle won this year's series of X Factor, finishing ahead of Rebecca Ferguson and boy band One Direction in the final show which was watched by 17.2 million viewers.

Cardle's debut single When We Collide is now Christmas number one.