skip to main content

New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

News sources such as The Guardian and BBC Breakfast have reported on our findings that show one-third of professional British musicians are considering giving up their careers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 22 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph showing three chairs and a music stand in front of an empty concert hall.
Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Thanks to all the musicians who responded to our third impact poll on how Covid-19 has affected their working lives, our call on Government to do more in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry has gained widespread media coverage.

Reports on the day we released the poll results include:

Take Action Now

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry - 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 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

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players