One in three musicians on brink of leaving industry, union claims

A third of musicians are thinking about leaving the industry altogether, as the sector’s union makes an urgent call on government to protect its talent.

One in three professional musicians are set to quit and find work elsewhere as a result of the pandemic, a newly published survey from the Musicians’ Union has revealed.

With the majority of live venues still closed and both the furlough scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme entering their final months, the MU is warning the pandemic could spell the end for many professional musicians’ careers.

Its research found the majority (88%) believe the government has not done enough to support musicians during the Covid-19 crisis.

Of those musicians covered by furlough and SEISS, 87% will face financial hardship when support stops next month. A third did not qualify for government assistance at all.

Nearly half (47%) have been forced to seek work outside of the industry to weather the difficulties, with 34% admitting they are considering leaving music completely.

A previous survey by the union, carried out in May, estimated about 20% were thinking of abandoning their music careers, meaning the number in this position has grown significantly since then.

The MU is calling for a seat-matching scheme – where government subsidises the cost of a second ticket whenever one is bought – as well as tailored support for the music industry.