skip to main content

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.
We have been assured that full guidance and a list of exemptions will be published before Monday. Photo credit: Shutterstock

We have received confirmation from DCMS that the new rules won't impact performers in Covid-19 secure venues like gig venues, concert halls and pubs if they are following published guidance, but test and tracing will be mandatory.

In Scotland, the limits are being reduced to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday, we're waiting for further clarification on how this will affect musicians. Unlike England, children under 12 will not be included. Wales and Northern Ireland have not announced any changes but restrictions are under discussion.

The six-person restriction will not apply to bands, choirs and other groupings of professional musicians taking part in planned Covid-19 secure performances and rehearsals. We are awaiting further clarification on how amateur groups and choirs may still be impacted.

We have been assured that full guidance and a list of exemptions will be published before Monday and we will of course let members know as and when that has happened, keep an eye on our twitter channel and our regular Covid-19 update emails.

Let us know what questions you want answers to

In the mean time we are gathering any questions that you might have to inform a new FAQ section next week. Let us know what questions you’d like to ask and we’ll try our best to cover them when we have more information, either by adding to our thread on twitter or emailing twitter@theMU.org

Pressure the Government to act now and protect musicians

Despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Help us make the case to the Government for vital financial assistance for musicians by completing our new survey.

It takes less than two minutes to respond and will help us make the case for the Government. Don't forget to share it!

Take our brief survey 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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI