skip to main content

Scottish Government Opens Hardship Fund for the Newly Self Employed

As part of its second phase of funding to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Scottish Government have put £34M behind a hardship fund for those due to miss out on UK Government funding due to being newly self-employed.

Published: 04 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
a crowd looking at the lit stage
This news from the Scottish Government should offer relief to some of the musicians who would have been left behind by the UK Government’s income support for the self-employed. Photo: Shutterstock

Those eligible for the scheme will able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £2,000. You will need to apply through your Local Authority area, who will decide if the meet the scheme’s criteria.

The hardship fund will be open to applicants based in Scotland who became self employed on or after 6 April 2019. For full details on the eligibility criteria for the fund and how to apply, see the Scottish Government’s business support page.

The second phase of funding has also seen applications open for a Creative or Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund and a Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund.

Leave no musician behind

Even though these measures from the Scottish Government are great news, we still need to act to ensure that no musician is left to fall through the cracks.

Take action by writing to your MP. 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 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 the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40