Scottish Government Opens Hardship Fund for the Newly Self Employed

As part of its second phase of funding to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Scottish Government have put £34M behind a hardship fund for those due to miss out on UK Government funding due to being newly self-employed.

Published: 04 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

a crowd looking at the lit stage — This news from the Scottish Government should offer relief to some of the musicians who would have been left behind by the UK Government’s income support for the self-employed. Photo: Shutterstock

Those eligible for the scheme will able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £2,000. You will need to apply through your Local Authority area, who will decide if the meet the scheme’s criteria.

The hardship fund will be open to applicants based in Scotland who became self employed on or after 6 April 2019. For full details on the eligibility criteria for the fund and how to apply, see the Scottish Government’s business support page.

The second phase of funding has also seen applications open for a Creative or Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund and a Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund.

Leave no musician behind

Even though these measures from the Scottish Government are great news, we still need to act to ensure that no musician is left to fall through the cracks.

Take action by writing to your MP. Personal stories really do help – they show MPs the truth of the situation and give them case studies to show Government that it is urgent.

We have the full details on how to email your MP, including a template letter if you’re not sure how to get started

Take action now

See all news

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

Continue reading

A theatre pit at the front bottom of the stage, full of musicians lit by lamps, as the audience takes their seats before the performance.

Sarah Sayeed: Composing and Sound Design for Theatre

Whether you're new to theatre or an experienced composer or sound designer, MU Music Writers' Advisory Board Chair Sarah Sayeed shares practical advice on contracts, fees, licensing and protecting the value of your work.

Published: 13 October 2026

A pair of hands surrounding cut-out paper chain of human figures.

CIISA Launches Confidential Reporting Service for Creative Industries

Workers and organisations across the music, theatre, film and TV sectors can now report concerns of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices through CIISA's new confidential reporting service.

Published: 13 October 2026

Two men standing for a photograph together at a work event. They are smiling and wearing matching lanyards.

MU Represents Musicians at Brussels Forum on UK-EU Music Relations

MU Head of International Dave Webster attended the ‘Music Sounds Better With You’ forum in Brussels, joining industry leaders, policymakers and music professionals to discuss the impact of Brexit on the music sector and the steps needed to improve opportunities for musicians and the wider industry.

Published: 12 October 2026

6 hands each holding jigsaw pieces up to sunlight to reflect all fitting together.

MU Members’ Assembly Elects Chair Team For Two-Year Term

Sarah Sayeed and Ben Lunn have been elected as Co-Chairs of the MU Members’ Assembly for a two-year term.

Published: 09 October 2026

A passport on a table on top of a map of the US and the US flag.

Watch Webinar Recording on US Visas and Touring Advice

Planning to perform in the US? Watch the free recording of our webinar with Tamizdat for practical advice on US work visas, ESTA rules, touring, showcasing, recording, costs and avoiding common immigration pitfalls.