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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

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From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
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Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week the MU met with important members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key topics such as music education, EU touring and workers' rights.

Published: 25 July 2024

Read more about MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister
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