skip to main content

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Soho in Christmas, London
The Government will announce which tier will apply to each area on Thursday this week.

Yesterday the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on 2 December and the country will return to a three ‘tiered’ system.

We have published the full details on how we understand these changes will affect musicians, on our latest restrictions page – although we are still waiting for clarification on a number of points.

In summary, the changes in England will mean that:

  • Shops, gyms, personal care, and leisure may reopen across all tiers.
  • Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports may resume.
  • The ‘rule of 6’ will apply again.
  • The hospitality curfew has been modified to last orders at 10:00 pm and closing time at 11:00 pm.
  • In tiers 1 and 2, spectator sport can resume with capacity limits and social distancing.
  • In tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.
  • In tier 3, hospitality will close except for delivery and takeaway, and indoor entertainment venues, such as cinemas, casinos and bowling alleys, must also close.

The Government will announce which tier will apply to each area on Thursday this week. In the meantime, the MU is gathering as much advice as possible for members so that they can plan any future work in line with the new restrictions, which are expected to last until Spring 2021.

Please note that we are still waiting for Government confirmation on a few issues and we will add to the advice as and when we received further information.

Read our advice on the latest Covid-19 restictions and how they will affect musicians in England, as well as the current restrictions on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music