Although the SEISS has supported almost three million people through the Covid-19 pandemic, too many musicians are falling through the gaps. Photo: shutterstock
You do not have to have made a claim for the first SEISS grant in order to make a claim for the second. However, your business must have been adversely affected due to coronavirus on or after 14 July 2020. You must also meet all the eligibility criteria.
Claims should be made via the Government website. The deadline for making a claim is Monday 19 October 2020.
The second SEISS grant is worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits. If your claim is successful, it will be paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, capped at £6,570. Please note that the SEISS grant is taxable.
No-one should be left behind by Government support
Although the SEISS has supported almost three million people through the Covid-19 pandemic, too many musicians are falling through the gaps:
At the same time, Government’s £1.57 Cultural Recovery Fund is unlikely to reach musicians.
Despite headline announcements and facts and figures, Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in terms of its effect on musicians remains woefully inadequate.
We urge Government to act now
MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl said, “We hope the extension of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme will offer a reprieve for some musicians and go some way towards compensating for months with no work.
“However, 38% musician we surveyed do not qualify, many of our members’ workplaces will not reopen until next year, and live performances with significantly reduced audience capacity simply aren't economically viable.
“We are calling for both the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme to be extended into early 2021 for those workers who cannot make a living while social distancing guidelines remain in place.
“We have been making these arguments to the Government since March and are increasingly concerned for the welfare of our members. If we don't get further help for them soon, we will see a mass talent exodus from music - and the arts in general"
Do you fall through the gaps in SEISS? Write to your MP and to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak now.