Thread by @WeAreTheMU

Hi! It’s Naomi here, Deputy General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union. I’ll be here answering questions until 9.45am. If you have any, let us know using the hashtag #AskTheMU

We’ll be choosing questions at random from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I will try to get through as many as I can in the next 45 minutes. #AskTheMU

If we don’t get to your question, take a look at our coronavirus advice hub at themu.org/coronavirus .

MU member? You can contact your Regional Office for advice and assistance at musiciansunion.org.uk/Contact-Us

#AskTheMU

“Will the MU be making representations to govt regarding our loss of income? I’m a self-employed tutor and my income just went off a cliff.. must be literally millions (in other industries too obvs) like me..” - question from Phil on Facebook facebook.com/12234918446253… #AskTheMU

Yes absolutely. We're talking to MPs about some form of universal basic income for freelancers so they can still pay the bills while unable to work, proper sick pay, and an official ban for venues etc. so that some people can get insurance #AskTheMU

We'll be asking musicians to get involved really soon so keep an eye out on social media and our daily emails musiciansunion.info/p/2QJ-FY0/coro… #AskTheMU

Question from Songololo Music on Instagram: “What grants, and tax relief will be available to Music Industry businesses specifically?” instagram.com/p/B92AbbHnl8S/ #AskTheMU

We haven't had news on anything industry specific yet, but the measures announced by Government will help music businesses eg: the 12 month rates holiday will help venues - NP #AskTheMU

We'r also calling for additional support for freelancers, which should hopefully help music teachers, performers, all those who are self-employed and unable to work because of everything that's going on - NP #AskTheMU

Hi Sam. Every situation is different so we can't give general advice. It could be force majeure or frustration, which means you might not get paid. But we look at every individual contract & do our best to get a cancellation fee where possible #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/samuelgemurray/status/1239989627123097603?s=20

We want to make sure the industry is protected through this so that members can pick up where the left off when things get back to normal. It comes down to Government support so keep an eye out for things you can do to help get that - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/Amanda_Drums/status/1240071604333187072?s=20

Musicians who can are coming up with creative ways of still working, remote gigs, rehearsals, writing, producing, collaborating, teaching. This means when the industry is back on its feet, we'll be ready. Explore our advice on remote working at theMU.org/coronavirus #AskTheMU

“What provision is the MU making to ramp up the benevolent fund to help members whose work and teaching has been cancelled?” Q from the first ever female Chair of the MU Kathy over on Instagram instagram.com/p/B92AbbHnl8S/ #AskTheMU

Hi Kathy! We are working on it and will be making an announcement as soon as we can. In the meantime, @HelpMusiciansUK are supporting musicians through their funds and details can be found here: helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-ne… #AskTheMU

“I've got a small pay-as-you-go masterclass this Saturday for maybe 6 clients and they are all really interested in going ahead with it. Would it be reasonable to do so?” From Indra on Facebook #AskTheMU facebook.com/12234918446253…

Hi Indra, that's a really good question. We would say you can go ahead as long as you're following the latest Government advice. In that instance, you will still be covered by your MU PLI insurance if you're an MU member. See theMU.org/coronavirus for more - NP #AskTheMU

Hi Natasha. We hear you. That's why we're lobbying for a universal basic income. Until then if you're an MU member please send your contracts to us so we can take a look for you. @HelpMusiciansUK also have support at helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-ne… - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/natasha4mp/status/1240205840398811137?s=20

“You've probably already had this but - Does the £10k grant announced today for small businesses apply to self employed musicians please?” From Alun on Facebook facebook.com/12234918446253… #AskTheMU

Hi Alun. You have to be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief so I suspect not. I think they're dependent on you having a property that is primarily for business purposes. You would need to contact the council to be sure. See gov.uk/apply-for-busi… - NP #AskTheMU

“Where is Horace Trubridge the General Secretary and why isn't he answering the questions?” via instagram instagram.com/p/B92AbbHnl8S/ #AskTheMU

All MU staff are now working remotely including the General Secretary. He is working with the leadership team on urgent plans to assist members and will be making a big announcement soon. I'm also the big Twitter fan on the Secretariat! - NP #AskTheMU

We totally understand that members may struggle to pay their subs and we are looking at ways we can assist, eg: more hardship grants and perhaps giving a longer period of time before exclusion. We're working on the details, more on this soon - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/robertlanemusic/status/1240209347449442306?s=20

Hi Andi. The Government announced easier access to benefits in the budget, it is not much but it's a start and we are lobbying for universal basic income to make things a little bit easier. See musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/co… for links to apply - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/AndiHoppy/status/1239991854101397505?s=20

On what you need as a business, we're working with @UK_Music on measures that will help protect the music industry. We are always open to ideas so you can always let us know what it is you would find useful - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/SongololoMusic/status/1239991584470585344?s=20

Our last question is from Sarah. We would need to look at the terms of your contract, in many cases it comes down to force majeure or frustration. But if you have a cancellation clause in your contract, we will still try and enforce it - NP #AskTheMU

https://twitter.com/swillN17/status/1239989967658631171?s=20

Thanks for all your questions! Sorry to those we couldn’t get to today. Take a look at our latest advice at themu.org/coronavirus and leave feedback using the button on the side - NP #AskTheMU

See you back here on Friday morning at 9am for more #AskTheMU. MU members, remember you can contact us any time for advice and assistance on contracts, cancellations, payments & your rights musiciansunion.org.uk/Contact-Us - NP #AskTheMU

Catch up with today's #AskTheMU with Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl in full at threadreaderapp.com/thread/1240201… #AskTheMU