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

Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

Read more about Tribute to Chris Walker
Closeup of a hand playing guitar. In the background are students sitting in a circle and holding guitars.

MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government

The Government has announced an additional £15 million for its Music Growth Package, taking total investment to £45 million over three years. The MU welcomes the funding while calling for progress on EU touring, music streaming and protections for creators from AI.

Published: 14 July 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government
Silhouetted crowd at an outdoor gig at night, the stage is lit with blue light and confetti falls.

Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music

A record 24.7 million music tourists attended UK concerts and festivals in 2025, spending £11.2 billion and supporting 74,000 jobs, according to new figures from UK Music. However despite the record year, challenges remain for grassroots music and touring.

Published: 13 July 2026

Read more about Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music