Lobbying on behalf of self-employed musicians
Government relief for the self-employed
In March, the Government announced a financial relief package for the self-employed, following weeks of MU lobbying MPs and Ministers, publicising the dire situation for musicians, and members taking action across the country.
This falls in line with one of our key asks at the start of the crisis: “Implement a Universal Basic Income of £400 per week for the self-employed (which equates to the living wage) OR, as in Norway, pay them 80% of their average income over the past three years.”
Thanks to every member who filled in our first and second Covid-19 Impact Polls and wrote to their MP.
Extending the SEISS
The original Self Employment Income Support Scheme lasted only three months.
It’s thanks to lobbying from freelancers like you and organisations like the MU that this was extended to October.
We didn’t get everything we want – the SEISS was reduced, and Government did nothing to close the gaps in support. But we’re still fighting to make your voice heard on this at the heart of Government.
MPs pushing to close the gaps in Parliament
MPs across the House of Commons have been fighting to ensure no-one is left behind by Government support. The issue of those excluded from the SEISS has been raised time and time again – that is thanks to everyone who’s contacted their MPs with their stories.