What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

From Monday 9 November there will be a new set of national measures in Wales that will replace the previous restrictions. The current firebreak regulations will apply until Monday 9 November.

Welsh Government has published FAQs on the regulations, which you can read on the Welsh Government’s website.

Some guidance on the new regulations in relation to members’ work:

Working from home

• People who aren’t able to work from home, but are able to work safely in their workplaces, can do so, provided their workplace is open.

Recording, rehearsing and broadcasting

• The use of recording and rehearsal studios for the purpose of work continued during the firebreak and therefore shouldn’t be affected by the new regulations.
• The use of venues for broadcasts (over internet, radio, or television) without an audience present continued during the firebreak and therefore shouldn’t be affected by the new regulations.

Teaching in Wales after the Firebreak

• Based on the guidance, our conversations with Welsh Government, and the fact that schools will fully reopen from Monday 9 November, our view is that music teaching in schools and private teaching in teachers’ and pupils’ homes can take place in Wales from Monday 9 November, subject to school policies/closures and the Welsh Government’s guidance on performing arts activity.
• We strongly recommend that members review the Welsh Government FAQs and performing arts guidance, as well as other guidance where relevant (such as working in people’s homes) and our general guidance on teaching music during the Coronavirus outbreak.
• The lockdown in England will affect private music lessons that involve travel across the England/Wales border (visiting/peripatetic music teachers are still allowed to teach in schools in Wales and England). Please see our update on teaching in relation to the English lockdown and get in touch with any questions.

We are still seeking clarity in some areas

• We are seeking clarity on how busking and community/amateur group rehearsals/meetings are affected by the new regulations.

Traveling inside of and out of Wales for work

• There are no travel restrictions in Wales under the new regulations, but travel restrictions may apply in relation to other areas of the UK (e.g. in England during the new lockdown that started on Thursday 5 November) so be sure to check any relevant guidance before travelling.
• Travelling between Wales and England for work is broadly permitted where the work cannot be done from home and is permitted to take place.

Take action now

Despite the lifting of some restrictions in Wales, it’s vital that no musician is left to fall between the cracks in Government support.

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.