skip to main content

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

This week’s lobbying update discusses our letter to Rishi Sunak, requesting that he urgently looks at the situation for musicians.

Photo ofIsabelle Gutierrez
By Isabelle Gutierrez Published: 06 January 2021 | 4:59 PM Updated: 02 August 2023 | 1:00 PM
Photograph of a keyboard, with a webcam set up over the keys. It appears to be a live stream.
Between 38% and 50% of our members still do not qualify for either of the Government’s financial assistance schemes. Photo credit: Shutterstock

With new lockdowns now in force across the UK, the MU is redoubling its efforts to secure financial assistance for members.

On 6 January 2021 we wrote to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, urgently requesting that he look at the situation for musicians. Thank you to all members who filled in the recent survey and have sent through case studies, as we highlighted these in the letter.

We made the following main points:

  • Between 38% and 50% of our members still do not qualify for either of the Government’s financial assistance schemes.
  • 50% of our members who do not qualify for SEISS are ineligible because less than half of their work is freelance, but they are also not eligible for furlough.
  • 15% had been self-employed for less than a year when SEISS began
  • 13% earn more than £50,000
  • 7.5% are limited companies
  • All categories of these musicians are now in severe financial difficulties.

Our call on the Treasury

We are asking the Treasury to urgently plug the gaps in the SEISS scheme and to consider other messages such as waiving the January 2021 tax bill for those who have fallen through the gaps in SEISS.

We are also asking the Treasury to allow DCMS and Arts Council England (ACE) to make some of the Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) available as support for freelancers in England – as has happened in the devolved nations.

On top of this, we would very much like to see the Treasury, DCMS and ACE top up the CRF’s remaining project funds as a way of investing in musicians. Making funds available to enable individual musicians to keep working during this difficult period will shore up the industry for its post-pandemic recovery, and will provide an alternative to hardship funds.

Members have added their voice to our call to Invest in Musicians by using our customisable graphic to share their stories.

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

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025