skip to main content

Shielding Members Encouraged to Complete Survey

Help us to lobby for better and more structured support for members who can not return to work due to shielding, by completing the survey we are running with the Ivors Academy.

Published: 03 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a person playing a drum, in front of a laptop which appears to be displaying a web video conference of other musicians also playing instruments.
We want to capture the experiences of these groups so we can lobby on their behalf for better and more structured support. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Members who are shielding, living with someone who is shielding, or have increased caring responsibilities or reduced personal assistance as a result of the virus are encouraged to complete the survey.

Although shielding advice from the Government has ended – we know that many belonging to these groups continue to be adversely affected. We’ll be using the results of the survey to better represent the needs of this group in our lobbying work.

Our Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl explained:

“We know that many musicians who have been shielding, living with someone who is shielding or their caring arrangements have changed due to coronavirus feel overlooked and forgotten.

“Although shielding advice has ended many of members in these situations cannot return to work. We want to capture the experiences of these groups so we can lobby on their behalf for better and more structured support.”

The survey will take around five minutes to complete, please submit your answers before Friday 18 December.

Take the survey 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 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

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action
Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters