The Government must continue to provide SEISS support alongside support for employed workers. Photo credit: Shutterstock
In the first ten days of lockdown, musicians reported losing more £20m in earnings. Over 90% told us their work had been affected, and job opportunities were down 70% on the same time last year.
Research and lobbying by the MU, alongside others, led to the creation of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). It was a great achievement that has helped millions of working people.
But the support only covers the period to June. And not much has changed except musicians are likely to have lost even more work.
Meanwhile, 38% of musicians are not covered by Government support and 19% are considering abandoning their careers in music altogether.
No-one should be left behind by Government support.
The Government must continue to provide SEISS support alongside support for employed workers, and plug the gaps that musicians are falling through right now.
Write to Rishi
Write to Rishi with the following message, you can find his contact details on the Government's website:
I am a musician. I am still not able to work, and musicians like me are facing many more months of lost income as our workplaces have no plans to reopen.
Musicians’ Union research shows that in the first 10 days of lockdown, musicians lost more £20m in earnings. Over 90% reported their work had been affected, and job opportunities were down 70% on the same time last year.
MU research also reveals that 38% musicians do not qualify for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme or the Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and 19% musicians are considering abandoning their careers altogether.
Please extend SEISS support alongside support for employed workers, and plug the gaps that mean that so many musicians currently do not qualify for support.
You might have already written to Rishi in the last couple of weeks. If so, you can write to him again and include your original message.
If you haven’t written to the Chancellor before, take a look at our template letter that covers closing gaps in SEISS support for more inspiration.
Remember to always include your story:
- Why you need the SEISS to support you
- If you fall through gaps in support and why
- What impact this is having on you now
- What impact this will have on your immediate future
Applying for the SEISS
While the amount of support you receive will only cover three months from the beginning of March, you can still apply for SEISS support.
Find out more about the SEISS, as well as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other sources of financial support.