skip to main content

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021 | 1:22 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.
On Friday 19 March a revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan was published. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Alert level 4 restrictions have been in place across Wales since midnight on 19 December, but the Welsh Government has been gradually relaxing some restrictions since the middle of February.

On Friday 19 March a revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan was published that contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Those changes and dates remain provisional and dependent on the health situation continuing to improve, so we recommend that members living and/or working in Wales continue to check the information on the current measures on the Welsh Government website.

Advice for shielding members

The Welsh Government has announced that shielding measures for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable should be paused on 31 March. That means that from 1 April people who had been shielding can go to work, if they cannot work from home and the business is Covid-secure, and attend school, when appropriate for their year group.

Updated advice will be issued by Welsh Government on 31 March and letters have been issued to everyone who was shielding.

Ongoing discussion around live performance

Unfortunately at the time of writing it remains unclear when live performances with audiences may be able to restart in Wales, but we are in regular, ongoing discussions with Welsh Government about this, along with the other creative unions and other organisations.

The Welsh Government announced a second phase of the Cultural Recovery Fund worth up to £30m on 22 March, which will include a new round of the Freelancer Fund, and we will update members with more detailed information on the application process as soon as we have it.

You can see our full updated advice on the Coronavirus restrictions for members in Wales on our overview of Covid-19 restrictions page, as well our updated advice for musicians who teach in Wales on our teaching pages.

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