skip to main content

Select Committee on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Creative Industries

Our General Secretary Horace Trubridge will be giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries on Tuesday morning.

Published: 05 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of an open instrument case of a busker
Focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Giving evidence at the Select Committee will be a great opportunity to expand on the detailed responses that the MU has sent to this committee over the last month.

Horace will be focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes as well as discussing what help will be required in order to allow all musicians to safely go back to work.

Entertainment & Events and Broadcasting working groups

Horace has also been invited onto two of the Government’s COVID-19 working groups – Entertainment & Events, and Broadcasting.

The Entertainment & Events group met this week and discussed ways in which the industry could safely be reopened. Other attendees included representatives from ballet and opera companies, a number of CEOs from the industry, and medical expert James Calder.

The main topic of conversation was how theatres and venues would be able to reopen whilst social distancing remained necessary.

Future actions for lobbying

One key development was DCMS agreeing to talk to Local Authorities and the Police about relaxing busking laws while so many other live performances remain impossible.

This was one of the MU’s asks, and we welcome this positive first step. But there is a lot more work to be done. MU members and musicians signed up to our regular no fear, no fuss email updates are encouraged to keep an eye out for future actions to support our lobbying work.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026