news category All News, Covid created 9 January 2021
Since the national lockdown restrictions came into force, we have been contacted by a number of members who have been questioned by police either on their way to work or at their place of work, about their reasons for being outside their home. We have drafted a template letter with links to the relevant guidance and legislation, as well as the culture secretary’s statement, confirming that work that cannot be done from home may continue and that professional music production work in a studio and on-location may continue. A link to download the template letter is available here.
[We have restricted the letter to full, studio and associate members only, as only professional work in studios is permitted at this time.]
Today, the mayor of London declared a ‘Major Incident’ due to the rising number of covid cases and pressure on the NHS. The situation is clearly serious, and we would urge members in London to be extremely diligent in following the guidance and using remote monitoring options as much as possible, but we do not believe that this will change anything about our ability to continue working in covid-secure workplace
Since January 1st, the Brexit Transition period had ended. Therefore there are some significant and somewhat nuanced rule changes that members should be aware of.
UK citizens will not require a visa for small trips up to 90 days, in a 180 day period. This includes all EU members, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. However, different rules apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania, as visits to these countries will not count towards the 90-day total. These rules do not apply to Ireland, as they are part of the UK travel area.
For information, please check here.
Although three months sounds great, things are complicated further, as some EU members will require members to obtain a work permit before you can earn money in that country. For example, Spain, Italy and Denmark. It’s best to double-check the specifics of each country before you leave. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, then a visa will have to be applied for.
For more information, please check here.
The Government are advising anyone travelling should take out comprehensive travel insurance, check their mobile provider’s policy on EU roaming, and have at least six months left on their passports.
The MPG’s Named Charity partner, @helpmusicansuk has been providing a broad spectrum of support to professional musicians for nearly 100 years and its mental health support service, Music Minds Matter, is available to anyone who works in the music industry. Please do take this 10-minute survey to help them understand what more people working in the music sector need in order to maintain or regain mental wellbeing and lead happier healthier lives and careers.
Take their short survey to have your say here
The MPG were co-signatories on a letter from the DCMS select committee to the chancellor, asking for the government to back an insurance for live music, to allow artists and promoters to start planning events for the summer.
You can read the full letter here:
You can read UK Music’s full strategy report here:
