skip to main content

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown

MU Regional Organiser for Wales, Andy Warnock, describes our main areas of focus in Wales, following the First Minister’s announcement of an outline for the first steps out of alert level 4 lockdown in Wales.

Photo ofAndy Warnock
By Andy Warnock Published: 15 March 2021 | 5:03 PM Updated: 20 July 2023 | 2:50 PM
The Welsh Parliament building at the Cardiff Bay development, the sun is shining in a blue sky behind a very modern piece of architecture with a glass wall and a large wooden roof.
We know that members want and need to get back to work and we are seeing some small signs of progress. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The First Minister has outlined the first steps out of the alert level 4 lockdown in Wales, with a series of changes planned between 13 March and the start of April, when there will be another review of the regulations.

It’s clear from our engagement with Welsh Government that they are committed to taking a gradual, phased approach to relaxing restrictions, due to their concerns about issues such as new variants and the unknown effect of the vaccine programme.

At this stage there won’t be a wholesale move between the alert levels that had previously been set out, and no changes have been announced beyond the potential reopening of shops and return of all learners to schools on 12 April.

The main areas we’re focusing our lobbying on

We know that members want and need to get back to work and we are seeing some small signs of progress – rehearsal and recording studios remain open, theatres and concert halls can now open for rehearsals without being linked to a broadcast, and the return of pupils to schools should enable lessons to resume in person at some point.

However, we’re aware that the biggest issue is the return of live performances with audiences, and we are pushing for that to be allowed as soon as possible, even if it is at a very small scale, in the hope that once some form of live performance restarts, audience and performance/event sizes can be scaled up later as the situation continues to improve.

Our other focus at the moment is on funding, and we have stressed to Welsh Government that our members in Wales urgently need them to finalise a second round of the Cultural Recovery Fund following the UK Budget while they continue to wait for the chance to restart work and reopen.

We’re working with people and organisations across the creative sector on these issues, and are particularly grateful to our colleagues at Bectu, Equity, WGGB, and Wales TUC for their help.

Current sources of funding for Welsh members

We were delighted when Welsh Government announced in February that they were investing a further £8.9m into the Freelancer Fund, to provide a second round of £2,500 grants for previously successful applicants. This additional support shows the value of our ongoing engagement with Welsh Government and we know that this money will help many members at what continues to be a very difficult time.

Anyone who successfully applied for the Freelancer Fund should have received a letter asking them to self-declare that there has been no change in their circumstances in relation to work. If any members have questions or issues with this letter then they should get in touch via cardiff@theMU.org.

Anyone who was unable to access the Freelancer Fund may be able to access support from the Restrictions Business Fund and/or the Local Discretionary Grant via their Local Authority but the application window for these schemes will close on 30 March 2021.

Actions you can take now

WeMakeEvents Cymru are currently running a survey with the aim of capturing the full value of the events industry in Wales, and we would encourage members who work in Wales to complete it on their website.

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

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members