skip to main content

Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave

Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed are calling on those whose Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claim has been affected by maternity leave. Due to the massive response to their campaign so far, the Government’s deadline for evidence has been extended.

Published: 04 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
A female musician holding a guitar and a baby next to her
Following wide-spread coverage, the Committee received so much evidence that they’ve extended the deadline for contributions. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Those who are self-employed and have taken leave for maternity, paternity or adoption are at risk of falling through the net of the Government’s SEISS.

The campaign group, Pregnant Then Screwed, sent a report to the Women and Equalities Select Committee on why SEISS discriminates against women. The campaign was featured on BBC news on Friday 1 May.

Following wide-spread coverage, the Committee received so much evidence that they’ve extended the deadline for contributions.

Pregnant Then Screwed encourages those who believe new mums shouldn’t be penalised just for taking maternity leave to make sure that they write to the committee and tell them how their family has been affected.

They encourage those writing to the Committee to include:

  • The impact this will have on your family, including career and childcare options going forward
  • When you took maternity leave and how long for
  • How much your maternity reduced your annual income by
  • How maternity reduces your average income (calculated across the three tax years 2016-17, - 2018-19)

Write to the Women and Equalities Select Committee.

Take further action for musicians

It is vital that no musicians are left to fall through the cracks. This is why we’re encouraging all musicians to write to their MPs now.

Personal stories really do help – they show MPs the truth of the situation and give them case studies to show Government that it is urgent. We need to make sure that all self-employed musicians are truly covered.

We have the full details on how to email your MP, including a template letter if you’re not sure how to get started.

Take action now.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

Read more about Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024
Two young female street musicians, one playing acoustic guitar and the other an accordian.

Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust 

The Alan Surtees Trust makes up to four awards of £2,000 annually to support performers aged 16 to 30 with projects rooted in, or influenced by, folk or traditional music of all cultures. The deadline for applications is April 30.

Published: 15 April 2024

Read more about Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust