skip to main content

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021 | 1:22 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.
On Friday 19 March a revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan was published. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Alert level 4 restrictions have been in place across Wales since midnight on 19 December, but the Welsh Government has been gradually relaxing some restrictions since the middle of February.

On Friday 19 March a revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan was published that contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Those changes and dates remain provisional and dependent on the health situation continuing to improve, so we recommend that members living and/or working in Wales continue to check the information on the current measures on the Welsh Government website.

Advice for shielding members

The Welsh Government has announced that shielding measures for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable should be paused on 31 March. That means that from 1 April people who had been shielding can go to work, if they cannot work from home and the business is Covid-secure, and attend school, when appropriate for their year group.

Updated advice will be issued by Welsh Government on 31 March and letters have been issued to everyone who was shielding.

Ongoing discussion around live performance

Unfortunately at the time of writing it remains unclear when live performances with audiences may be able to restart in Wales, but we are in regular, ongoing discussions with Welsh Government about this, along with the other creative unions and other organisations.

The Welsh Government announced a second phase of the Cultural Recovery Fund worth up to £30m on 22 March, which will include a new round of the Freelancer Fund, and we will update members with more detailed information on the application process as soon as we have it.

You can see our full updated advice on the Coronavirus restrictions for members in Wales on our overview of Covid-19 restrictions page, as well our updated advice for musicians who teach in Wales on our teaching pages.

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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI