The decision on the return of indoor live music will be reviewed on 15 August.Â
This means that the expected return of indoor live music on 1 August, announced in mid-July, will not go ahead.
In his announcement, the PM also said that this decision will be reviewed on 15 August.
Pilots of indoor performances, run by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with industry bodies including the Musicians’ Union, are also delayed by two weeks.
A safe return to work
Responding to the announcement, MU National Organiser for Live Performance Dave Webster said, “The MU is bitterly disappointed to learn that the opening of live indoor gigs has been postponed due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.
“We will continue to press Government to support our members who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
"This includes lobbying to close the gaps in the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, ensure a safe return to work as soon as possible, and extend job retention schemes after October if it is not."
Supporting musicians through the pandemic
MU research shows that 38% musicians do not qualify for Government support schemes, and 19% members are considering abandoning music altogether.
The MU has been lobbying Government hard to extend their job retention schemes and plug the gaps in support – recommendations that the Digital, Culture, Media and Support Select Committee incuded in their report on the impact of Covid-19.
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