skip to main content

Call For Government to Protect Musicians Gains Media Coverage Across the UK

Huge numbers of members and non-member musicians have responded to our coronavirus impact survey.

Published: 24 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
People stacking hands together
The MU's coronavirus impact survey shows an urgent interest across the country in protecting the UK’s music industry, and how vital it is to protect musicians. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

The figures recorded so far have been reported across the media – giving solid evidence to our call for better protections for musicians and the music industry.

We’ve been asking musicians to fill in our coronavirus impact survey. You’ve been letting us know how the situation is affecting your work, and calculating what it has cost you.

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far the data recorded has seen wide-spread coverage. So far there have been articles in major national print and online publications – as well as over 40 regional news sources.

It shows an urgent interest across the country in protecting the UK’s music industry, and how vital it is that we act now to protect musicians.

Coverage across the media

Coverage of our statistics in major news sources includes:

Call on Government to properly protect freelance workers

Whilst the public's eye is on how musicians are being affected by the pandemic – we urgently need to call on Government to put in proper protections for freelance workers affected by or self-isolating due to coronavirus.

Join us by writing to your MP. We’ve even published a letter template if you’re not sure what to say.

Find out how to take action 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

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026