skip to main content

Concerns on New Arts Package Raised in Parliament

The Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Jo Stevens MP, asked an urgent question to the Minister for Culture, Caroline Dinenage MP, in parliament today on the subject of the arts package announced this week by the Government.

Published: 07 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
musician with a guitar on the stage with the backlight
"We are clear that alongside this funding there needs to be support for individual freelancers who are not eligible for the SEISS.". Photo: Shutterstock

Jo Stevens criticised the fact that freelancers were not mentioned at the launch of the scheme, expressing concern that the DCMS does not fully understand the nature of the work that self-employed musicians and performers do. She also directly challenged the Minister to ask the Chancellor to extend the SEISS and furlough schemes until venues are able to reopen at full capacity.

The number of freelancers who are not eligible for SEISS was a point also raised by John Nicholson from the SNP as well as a number of other MPs. The Minister assured the House of Commons that they have been working with the sector to plug these gaps, but this is something that the MU is challenging.

It is clear that individual freelancers need support

Horace Trubridge MU General Secretary says:

“We welcome this package, but we are clear that alongside this funding there needs to be support for individual freelancers who are not eligible for the SEISS.

“The Government has repeatedly said that the SEISS covers the majority of the self-employed, but we know that 38% of our members do not qualify for either the SEISS or the furlough scheme and have been left with nothing.

“If the Minister has been consulting with the sector to plug these gaps, then it is not the Musicians’ Union that she has been speaking to and we would very much welcome a discussion about how we can adjust and extend these schemes to support the UK’s musicians and ensure that they survive this difficult time.”

No musician should be left to fall through the cracks

Musicians lost over £21m in the first ten days of lockdown alone. Over 90% told us they had been affected. Four months later, 38% musicians still do not qualify for Government support - going up to 53% for theatre musicians - and 19% are considering abandoning music altogether.

It is vital that the Government provides support musicians and the music industry.

Our key asks for the Government are to:

  • Close the gaps in the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
  • Extend support for arts, culture and entertainment workers after October
  • Support safe ways of working like live music events with social distancing applied
  • Cover shortfalls in ticket money due to social distancing so that theatres and venues survive
  • Undertake a government review of streaming royalty distribution

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Close up of a flute on a music sheet.

Tribute to Elmer Cole

Elmer Cole was a highly accomplished flautist. He was also a member of the English National Opera for over 40 years and the MU for over 50. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Frances.

Published: 04 November 2024

Read more about Tribute to Elmer Cole
Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

Read more about The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis