skip to main content

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Published: 18 November 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.
We can only hope that, with the right support from the Government we can retain the talent and get them back to work safely as soon as possible. Photo credit: Shutterstock

UK Music unveiled its Music By Numbers 2020 report today (November 18) as it called for urgent help to revive “our world-leading industry”.

Since 2013, UK Music – an umbrella organisation of which the MU is a part – has published an annual report which reveals the economic contribution of the UK music business to the British economy.

The new figures in the Music By Numbers 2020 report are for the 12 months up to December 31 2019. They do not reflect the devastating impact of the Covid-19 just weeks later in early 2020.

The key facts in Music By Numbers 2020 include:

  • The UK music industry contributed £5.8 billion to the UK economy in 2019 - up 11% from £5.2 billion in 2018.
  • Employment in the industry hit an all-time high of 197,168 in 2019 - an increase of 3% from 190,935 in 2018.
  • The total export revenue of the music industry was £2.9 billion in 2019 - up 9% from £2.7 billion in 2018.
  • In addition to the industry’s direct economic contribution, music tourism alone contributed £4.7 billion in terms of spending to the UK economy in 2019 - up 6% from £4.5 billion in 2018.

Read further details and download the report from UK Music's website.

The industry now faces a marathon effort to get back on its feet

However, the pandemic and social distancing restrictions meant venues were forced to close as the pause button was pressed on huge swathes of the music industry.

Despite the buoyant 2019 figures outlined in Music By Numbers, the industry now faces a marathon effort to get back on its feet as it strives to return to pre-Covid levels of success as swiftly as possible.

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge commented on the bittersweet nature of the news:

"At a time when the live music industry in particular is on its knees and many musicians are in dire financial hardship, only carrying out about a quarter of their usual work, it is bittersweet to be reminded of the success of the British music industry in pre-Covid times.

“With the right investment from the Government during the remainder of this pandemic, we will bounce back and be stronger than ever."

MU Deputy General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, commented on how the report highlights the importance of the music industry in the UK:

"This report reminds us how truly fantastic the UK music industry is. We punch well above our weight globally in terms of talent, make a major contribution to the British economy and support 200,000 employed jobs as well as a huge freelance community of creators and performers.

“We can only hope that, with the right support from the Government during the Covid-19 crisis, and the incredible dedication and passion of all those who work in and love music, we can retain the talent and get them back to work safely as soon as possible."

Take action now

It’s vital that the UK Government takes steps to protect the musicians who fall through the gaps in their support schemes.

Take action now and join our urgent call to the Government to do more – 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.

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 two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Read more about CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries
Llinos Owen playing Bassoon on stage.

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

Read more about Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”
A pair of hands holding paper cut outs of human figures.

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

The Musicians' Census' Disabled Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more inclusive for disabled musicians. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 26 November 2024

Read more about 10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians