Musicians Union concerned at lifting Covid-19 restrictions in the UK

Although the proposed ending of restrictions which took effect in England last week was welcomed, the Musicians’ Union (MU) has expressed its concern about how the end of free lateral flow tests for covid in the UK may affect professional musicians.

People who test positive for Covid in England are now no longer required by law to isolate, and from April those infected will not be advised to stay at home. In contrast, Scotland's legal requirement for self-isolation for those who test positive will remain in place.

MU Deputy General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, said: ‘We are aware that clinically vulnerable musicians in particular will have real worries about this announcement.’ She added: ‘Most musicians are self-employed and may have to bear the costs of tests and generally will not receive any sick pay or cancellation fees if they contract Covid and choose to isolate to protect their colleagues.’

Research carried out by the MU and the Ivors Academy in September 2021 revealed that 40% of clinically extremely vulnerable musicians would still have to shield beyond the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the end of the vaccine roll-out.

Free testing will end on 1 April for the majority of people, as will financial support for isolating people on low pay. The MU has requested that the UK government retain free testing for workers who are unable to work from home or socially distance.

You can find more information at the Musicians’ Union website.