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

Sepia photo of Derek playing trumpet.

Tribute to Derek Kimber

Derek Kimber, a cornet and trumpet player whose talent spanned jazz bands, big bands and community events across the West Country, passed away on 30 November 2025. He was a dedicated member of the Musicians’ Union, having joined in 1968.

Published: 27 January 2026

Read more about Tribute to Derek Kimber
Afternoon shot of Liverpool's Cavern Quarter with bars and music venues lit up.

MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost

The MU welcomes a new £27 million government funding package, with regions across the UK invited to bid for investment aimed at strengthening creative industry clusters and building on Liverpool City Region’s success in music innovation and growth.

Published: 26 January 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost