skip to main content

Government Announcement on Measures to Protect the Self-Employed Anticipated

The prime minister announced last night (Wednesday 25 March) that Government is preparing to announce measures that should put the self-employed on “parity” with employees.

Published: 26 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Westminster building
We will be keeping members updated as soon as we know more. Photo credit: Shutterstock

This move comes after an enormous amount of pressure from across the country – including from all of the MU members who wrote to their MPs – calling on Government to protect all workers and not just the employed.

Although the details of this scheme have not yet been confirmed, it is widely expected that the chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce that self-employed workers will be paid up to 80% of their recent earnings.

We will be keeping members updated as soon as we know more, keep an eye on twitter feed for our most immediate responses.

Call on Government to properly protect freelance workers

If measures for the self-employed and freelancers are on their way, it’s vital that you let Government know what it is you need and how urgently you need it.

We are urgently calling on Government to put in proper protections for freelance workers affected by or self-isolating due to coronavirus.

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

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

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review
Last year's parade, hundreds of people walking down the narrow historic main street, holding large colourful banners and balloons.

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

Members are invited to join us on Saturday 12 July for the Durham Miners’ Gala – the world’s biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025