New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published We’ve published new guidance on Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements for employed and self-employed musicians, which we hope will help with some of your concerns during the return to work. Published: 05 March 2021 | 1:17 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM “The ongoing success of the UK's Covid vaccination programme finally provides some light at the end of the tunnel.” Photo credit: Shutterstock Our new guidance covers: Vaccinations for employees Vaccinations for the self-employed Employer obligations around testing Testing requirements for employees Testing requirements for the self-employed Advice on testing for musicians who teach Resources for further reading Visit the page now. Returning to the working environment in confidence and safety MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear explained our aims: “The ongoing success of the UK's Covid vaccination programme finally provides some light at the end of the tunnel for members who've been unable to earn a living for over a year. “However, members will understandably have many queries and concerns around both vaccination and testing, and an employer's ability to require these in order to permit work to resume. “We hope this guidance deals with these concerns and allows members to return to the working environment in confidence and safety.” See all news
Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time. Published: 01 August 2026 Read more about Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh
MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year. Published: 31 July 2026 Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area. Published: 30 July 2026 Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms. Published: 28 July 2026 Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now. Published: 24 July 2026 Read more about Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now