Hi there. This is @NaomiPohl, Deputy General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union. I’m taking over @WeAreTheMU for the next 30mins to answer your questions #AskTheMU - NP
We’ll be taking questions at random from across our social media channels and the website. I will try to get through as many as I can. But if we don’t get to yours, please take a look at our Covid-19 advice hub at themu.org/coronavirus - NP #AskTheMU
You can also sign up to our regular email update for the latest advice at theMU.org/community And MU members can also can contact their MU Regional Office for advice and assistance at theMU.org/contact - NP #AskTheMU
Q1: “What are the MU doing to try & get parity for those who are excluded from government support, other than encouraging members to write to Rishi Sunak & their MP? Are they collaborating with other organisations, are they following the ExcludedAPPG?” Tom on Facebook #AskTheMU
We are lobbying hard, and also looking into legal avenues. We know from conversations with MPs that writing to them is working so we encourage everyone who hasn’t written to their MP yet to do so musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/co… /1 #AskTheMU
Yes, we are very much collaborating with other organisations such as the @NUJofficial, @EquityUK, @CounMusicMakers and @UK_Music. We are also in contact with the @ExcludedUK team. We will keep fighting for support for all #ExcludedUK freelancers – NP /2 #AskTheMU
Hi James. Yes, absolutely. The change in guidance in England following new research into singing, wind and brass instruments doesn’t seem to have been instantly rolled out across all relevant Covid-19 guidance. We will be taking this up urgently - NP
Hi Dan. The guidance has also changed for wind and brass instruments in England following new research carried out by @DCMS. For more info, see our FAQ musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020… - NP #AskTheMU
We are already pushing for similar easing of restrictions in Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland and will be updating people when we can – NP #AskTheMU
Hi David. We understand this is a very concerning situation for our members. We are working closely with @NEUnion on a safe return to work for members who work in schools. They have some useful information here: neu.org.uk/advice/coronav… /1
You may find our guidance for teachers returning to face to face teaching useful also: musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/co… - NP /2 #AskTheMU
Hi Richard. Government will not be reviewing social distancing in England until November. This presents a problem for all those theatres & venues who cannot reopen with social distancing due to lack of space and/or because it isn’t economically viable - NP
“Could you please confirm that the new measures also include non-profession musicians playing both indoors and out” – Alan on the latest Performing Arts Guidance, asked via the MU website #AskTheMU
Yes – Government’s Performing Arts guidance applies to both professionals & non-professionals, inside & outside, in England. But non-professionals also have to comply with social distancing set out in Meeting People From Outside Your Household. See musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020… - NP
“My question would be that millions of us haven't received any assistance from the Govt. As a musician, mainly working in the care sector, we will be the last to get any work... What is the best way to put pressure on the government?” – asks Rob on Facebook #AskTheMU
We are lobbying for the gaps in the Government support schemes to be filled in and for sector specific support as the music industry, particularly live music, will remain largely dormant while social distancing remains. See musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020… /1
We are not the only ones and we are working with other organisations in the music industry and beyond. Many MPs have made these arguments on our behalf as well and highlighted MU research on the impact of Covid-19 on musicians - NP /2 #AskTheMU
“What happens after this second grant support wise? Is that it? Christmas is normally a big earner, as is NYE. What are we supposed to do when many of us earn so much during Christmas. Another grant or nothing?” – Lauren via Facebook #AskTheMU
We hear you. With @UK_Music and other representative bodies, we are pushing Government hard to extend the furlough scheme and #SEISS into at least spring 2021 for musicians and other workers in the creative industries – NP /1 #AskTheMU
musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020…
musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020…
At the same time, we're working with employers & engagers to get as much work back up and running as safely as possible, as soon as possible. We're also getting advice on things like funding available and how to access it. More details will be coming soon - NP /2 #AskTheMU
Thanks for all your questions. We know 2020 has been a shocker of a year but we are right behind you. I'll be back in September for the next #AskTheMU. Until then, stay safe. Remember, you can contact us theMU.org/contact for advice anytime - NP
#BehindEveryMusician
#BehindEveryMusician
