Urgent actions we’re calling on the Government to make for musicians
What can we do in these dark days from musicians and teachers during the covid-19 outbreak to get the Government to aid us and our colleagues. We are calling on Boris Johnson to;
- Implement a Universal Basic Income of £400 per week for the self employed (which equates to the living wage) OR, as in Norway, pay them 80% of their average income over the past three years.
- Announce statutory sick pay that is really for all from day-one of self isolation, whether you have coronavirus or someone in your household does.
- Give easier access to benefits and an application process that recognises how freelancers pay their taxes.
- The current benefits system does not reflect how self-employed people work or pay insurance.
We’ve heard from musicians who have applied for Universal Credit and have been denied help because the Government sees money set aside to pay taxes and savings. This has to change – freelancers should not be punished for being responsible taxpayers.
We’re working across the nations, but in some cases, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are announcing slightly different measures from England. Keep up to date with all relevant policy across all the nations on our Government Advice page.
Write to your MP now. If there is one thing that will change the game for all musicians, it is immediate and informed Government action. Email your MP using Write to Them.
If you’re not sure what to say, here is something to get you started.
Please ask the Prime Minister to:
Implement a Universal Basic Income of £400 per week for the self employed (which equates to the living wage) OR, as in Norway, pay them 80% of their average income over the past three years.
Announce statutory sick pay that is really for all from day one of self isolation whether you have coronavirus or someone in your household does
Give easier access to benefits and an application process that recognises how freelancers pay their taxes
Remember to explain how coronavirus is already affecting you, and how it will affect you in the next few months.
Personal stories really do help – they show MPs the truth of the situation and give them case studies to show Government that it is urgent.
Sign petitions in support. There are lots of petitions making the rounds on social media.