skip to main content

Shielding Members Encouraged to Complete Survey

Help us to lobby for better and more structured support for members who can not return to work due to shielding, by completing the survey we are running with the Ivors Academy.

Published: 03 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a person playing a drum, in front of a laptop which appears to be displaying a web video conference of other musicians also playing instruments.
We want to capture the experiences of these groups so we can lobby on their behalf for better and more structured support. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Members who are shielding, living with someone who is shielding, or have increased caring responsibilities or reduced personal assistance as a result of the virus are encouraged to complete the survey.

Although shielding advice from the Government has ended – we know that many belonging to these groups continue to be adversely affected. We’ll be using the results of the survey to better represent the needs of this group in our lobbying work.

Our Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl explained:

“We know that many musicians who have been shielding, living with someone who is shielding or their caring arrangements have changed due to coronavirus feel overlooked and forgotten.

“Although shielding advice has ended many of members in these situations cannot return to work. We want to capture the experiences of these groups so we can lobby on their behalf for better and more structured support.”

The survey will take around five minutes to complete, please submit your answers before Friday 18 December.

Take the survey 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