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Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed

If you are self employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021.

Published: 23 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of musician at home working on notation.
You will not be penalised for late payment or charged any late payment interest. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Anyone self-employed is eligible, and this offer will be applied automatically. During the deferral period you will not be penalised for late payment, or charged any late payment interest.

For more guidance on the coronavirus outbreak, see our Coronavirus Advice Hub.

Call on Government to properly protect freelance workers

Whilst we’re doing what we can to alleviate some of the financial pressure on musicians – we urgently need proper protections from Government for freelance workers affected by or self-isolating due to coronavirus.

We’re asking musicians to join us by writing to their MPs. We’ve even published a letter template if you’re not sure what to say – 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

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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