news category All News, Covid created 4 November 2020
On 31st October, the Prime Minister announced that England would be going into a second lockdown on Thursday 5th November. The Government hope this will only last for four weeks, until the 2nd December. Click here for more details
The DCMS has confirmed that recording studios will be allowed to continue to operate during the lockdown period. Still, the MPG understands that mood of members’ clients may still be apprehensive. So, we are working closely with UK Music to instil some confidence that recording over lockdown is safe.
Here is a link to latest covid guidance for recording studios – we expect some updates in the coming days, so so keep an eye on MPG emails for this, although we do not expect any significant changes to the way studios currently operate:
Residential recording studios are still able to provide accommodation to clients as hospitality is still able to provide accommodation for work purposes. Travel is also still permitted ‘for work purposes’. Again, please follow the latest covid-secure guidance for accommodation.
The Furlough Scheme has been extended for the period of lockdown and will cover 80% of the wages, up to £2,500. However, employers have to cover PAYE & NI. The flexibility of the current CJRS will be retained to allow employees to continue to work where they can.
Before announcing the national restrictions, the Government extended the SEISS by a further six months (November 2020 to April 2021). The chancellor has confirmed it will now be paid at 80% of average profits for November, with the level of support for December still to be decided.
We know some of our members slip through all of the safety nets provided – especially as there is no support for those who pay themselves through dividends. We are still pushing for more support, along with business rate relief.
On the 4th November, the Chancellor announced that a further two month extension for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Pushing the final deadline for new applications back to 31st January 2021.
A new ‘top-up’ option was also announced. This applies to businesses that haven’t already borrowed the maximum amount permitted under the scheme (ie, 25% of total turnover). This option can only be used once, and should be available from Monday 9 November.
Developing Your Creative Practice – Arts Council England
Grants are available from £2,000 to £10,000 for anyone who is wanting to take time and focus on their creative development. The guidance has added DJs, performer/creators, creative enablers, and creative technicians, so members are more than eligible.
Help Musicians are extending their existing support for those already accessing their hardship fund and hope to open their hardship fund to new applications in early November. The MPG have ensured that Full Members meet the definition of a musician in order to access hardship funding.
