skip to main content

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

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

Silhouette of crowd with their hands in the air, watching a small outdoor stage, lit by blue lights. Confetti falls from the sky.

MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost
Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free
Close up of a Germany visa stamp on a passport.

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

New MU guidance outlines the rules for musicians working in Germany, including work permit exemptions, visa requirements and key considerations for performers accepting engagements in the country.

Published: 20 August 2026

Read more about New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany