+ Government Financial Support (for individuals)

• The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has launched. We are seeking urgent advice from the UK Government about notable gaps in this support.

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employers with a PAYE scheme to apply for support to continue to pay up to 80% of their employees’ wages.

• Information on income tax payment deferrals for self-employed workers has been published by the UK Government.

• Businesses and self-employed people with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their taxes through the UK Government HMRC Time to Pay Service.

• The UK Government has launched a Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp.

• The UK Government’s general COVID-19 guidance for employees, employers & businesses has been published.

• Full details of the UK Government’s self-employed support scheme are included here. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• The UK Government has announced that the eligibility cut-off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended to 19 March 2020, therefore allowing more workers to be furloughed. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• The UK Government has published the COVID-19 'roadmap' recovery strategy document 'Our plan to rebuild'. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• The UK Government has announced that the UK Furlough Scheme has been extended until October. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has announced an extension to the Self employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Those eligible will be able to claim a second grant in August for 70% of profits up to £6750. In the same announcement he outlined how the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) would work.[Updated: 5th June 2020]

• The UK Government has announced a few website updates for Self Assessment customers. Now you can apply online to spread the cost of your tax bill into monthly payments without the need to call them. The online self-serve ‘Time to Pay’ service, has been increased to 30’000 for Self Assessment customers. Full details on the latest updates can be found here. [Updated: 5th October 2020]

• The UK Government has announced an extension and increase to the amount of support available to the self-employed workforce. The next self-employed income support grant will also increase from 55% to 80% of average profits - up to £7,500. This will mean that next grant will see support for the self-employed maintained at the higher 80% rate through to January. The self-employed scheme has been extended to March although there will be further updates provided about the rate of support beyond January 2021. [Updated: 10th November 2020]

• The DCMS Secretary of State has announced that from 5th December an exemption from quarantine rules for professional performing artists travelling to the UK and for those returning from activity overseas (who have upcoming work commitments) will be coming into force. Legislation relating to this will come into force from 4am on Saturday 12th December. Arts Council England have published guidance on how to apply. [Updated: 9th December]

• The UK Government has announced the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. In June the scheme will continue to pay 80% of employees’ wages, up to £2,500, for the hours they cannot work. In July it will reduce to 70% and employers will be expected to pay 10% towards the hours their staff do not work. Increasing to 20% in August and September. From August 1st the UK Government will pay 60% of wages up to £1,875, with employers picking up the remaining 20%. This 20% rate will be continued through to September. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The UK Government has announced an extension to support for the self-employed. The fourth SEISS grant scheme will be widened so that 600,000 people who declared themselves self-employed in the 2019-20 tax returns (who were previously ineligible for SEISS), will now be able to access the scheme. It will run from February until April, covering up to 80% of three month’s trading profits up to £7500. There will also be a fifth grant available from May to September. Those whose turnover has fallen by 30% or more will continue to receive the full 80% grant. Meanwhile, those with a turnover reduction of less than 30% will receive a 30% grant. The fifth and final SEISS grant will be made available this summer. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The UK Government has announced an additional £410m fund for arts, culture and heritage industries, taking total cultural funding to £1.87bn. Of this, £300m will be allocated to the Culture Recovery Fund, £90m to National Museums and cultural bodies, £18.8m to culture projects in regional towns and cities, in addition, £77m will be made available for the devolved administration in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

+ Housing

• The UK Government has agreed mortgage repayment holidays with UK lenders for those facing financial difficulty. The Financial Conduct Authority’s advice is here.

• The UK Government’s advice for landlords, tenants and local authorities has been published.

+ UK Hardship Funding

• Organisations including the FAC, UK Music, Council of Music Makers and others are supporting Help Musicians UK as the central resource for distributing hardship funding. Their CoronaMusicians.info site is the main resource for support. We advise everybody to read it.

• The Musicians’ Union has a hardship fund and is also fundraising to try to make more funds available for those that require support.

• PRS have launched their emergency Coronavirus fund offering grants for those who have made over £500 in royalties or been a member for at least two years. Make sure you’re using the correct email address when applying!

• The Incorporated Society of Musicians has a fund for self-employed musicians that are unable to work as a result of the pandemic.

• Spotify has launched the COVID-19 Music Relief Project, match funding up to $10m of support for music charities in the UK, USA, Canada and France.

• The Production Services Association has a small benevolent and welfare fund, Stagehand fund which may be accessible to some members.

• PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund, to help creators impacted by the effects of COVID-19 opened on 6th April 2020. The fund is supported by Spotify’s Music Relief. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• Sony Corporation which owns major label and publisher, Sony Music and Sony/ATV has launched a global, $100m COVID-19 relief fund. The fund will aim to support frontline medical workers, children and educators and those in the creative community. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• Global entertainment organisation, Live Nation, has launched Crew Nation, it’s fund to support the backstage staff that are often missed by other schemes but keep the live industry alive. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• UK independent music representative body, AIM launched a £500,000 fund on 6th April 2020 with a goal to eventually distribute £1m to contractors and freelancers in the independent music community. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• Amazon Music have made a “significant donation” to Help Musicians UK’s Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Arts Council England have updated their COVID-19 support page to outline all of their funding measures and how to access the £160m of funds that they’re making available. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• The BPI has announced that the UK’s labels and other parts of the industry have come together to announce £1.5m of donations to Help Musicians UK’s Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund and other initiatives during the pandemic. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• PPL, the UK recorded music collecting and licensing organisation has pledged £700,000 of donations to various hardship funds, to support various cohorts within the UK’s music industry. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• PRS for Music's Emergency Relief Fund has raised over £2.1m for songwriters and composers. Find out more here. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

+ Health & Wellbeing

• UK Government’s advice to support mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak has been published.

• Public Health England have published mental health and wellbeing guidance for coping during the COVID-19 outbreak.

• The Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) has produced a Guide to Anxiety Relief & Self Isolation.

• UK charity Music Support can provide support to those who are suffering from mental, emotional and behavioural health disorders.

• Jack Williamson of Music & You has developed a tip sheet of 9 ways to manage your anxiety during Coronavirus.

• The NHS COVID-19 guidance is here.

• Yale are offering a free wellbeing course via Coursera. The course starts on 2nd April 2020.

• Music for Mental Wealth have launched their campaign #MusicWithMeaning. Aiming to empower musicians to share their stories and encourage open conversations around mental health. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• Organisation Rehab4Addiction have published Covid-19 Mental Health guide. A discussion about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Updated: 7th September 2020]

• The Palm Beach Institute has put together a guide to understanding addiction relapse during COVID-19 and tips for remaining sober. [Updated 10th November 2020]

• Blue Rhythm provides anonymous mental health and substance use services for artists. FAC Members receive a 10% discount for all sessions [Updated 19th March]

+ Government Financial Support (for businesses)

• UK Government advice on business VAT deferrals has been published.

• Business FAQs from UK Government are here.

• UK Government advice on the statutory sick pay rebate for small to medium sized businesses has been published.

• Small business that pay little or no business rates, may also be eligible for the UK Government’s small business grant funding.

• Small businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector can access the UK Government’s cash grants of up to £25,000 per property.

• The UK Government has confirmed that businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector will not pay business rates for 2020-21. We are seeking clarity on the definition of various music premise types and their eligibility for the support.

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employers with a PAYE scheme to apply for support to continue to pay up to 80% of their employees’ wages.

• The UK Government has launched the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for small and medium business. We are seeking an urgent review of the administration of the scheme in respect of music organisations.

• The Chancellor has extended the scope of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, meaning smaller businesses are now eligible, requests for personal guarantees on sub £250k loans are banned and banks are required to move more quickly to offer support. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• The full range of the UK Government’s business measures have been summarised and outlined here. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• The UK’s Furlough Scheme will now run until the end of June. The UK Government has provided more details about the extension here. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• The UK Government has announced a new loan scheme, allowing businesses struggling to access existing loans, to apply for up to 25% of turnover with a maximum payment of £50,000. The Government will offer 100% guarantees and pay interest for the first 12 months, with no repayments due in the first year. Loans are intended to be fast and simple to access. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• The UK Government has announced an additional business grant funds scheme which has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• The UK Government has published the COVID-19 'roadmap' recovery strategy document 'Our plan to rebuild'. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• The Government has announced that all accredited lenders who have approved Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) so far will allow customers to transfer their loan into the Bounce Back Loan (BBL) scheme [Updated: 22nd May 2020]

• The UK Government has announced that it will publish a code of practice for commercial properties and landlords which aims to provide clarity around rents and a boost to the high street.[Updated: 5th June 2020]

• The UK Government announced extended measures and further support to prevent struggling companies from eviction over the summer. [Updated: 26th June 2020]

• The Government has published further detail of the scope of the temporary reduced rate of VAT on admission charges. The reduced rate applies to tickets sold between 15th July and 12th January 2021, regardless of when the event takes place. For details on digital tickets for online gigs, please visit this Gov guidance which sets out considerations for live online performances. Businesses should consult VAT Notice 700 (point 8) when determining the liability of their supplies. [Updated 20th July 2020]

• The UK Government has extended the furlough scheme to March 2021. Workers across the UK will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021 and will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to £2,500 a month. [Updated: 10th November 2020]

• To help more businesses access additional support, the Government has extended deadlines for applications to the government-backed loan schemes and the Future Fund have been further extended until 31 January 2021. The Government has announced that more businesses will also be able to benefit from government loan schemes, while firms can ‘top up’ existing Bounce Back Loans should they need additional finance. [Updated: 10th November 2020]

• The UK Government has announced a new round of grant funding for businesses, to be distributed by local authorities. The package is worth £2.2bn and eligible businesses include those that have been required to close due to restrictions and those that have had their trade affected by restrictions. For further information see local restriction support grants and additional restriction grants. [Updated: 16th November 2020]

• One-off top up grants for rate-paying businesses will be available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses according to their usual rateable value. Any business which is legally required to close, and which cannot operate effectively remotely, is eligible for a grant. Business support is a devolved policy and therefore the responsibility of the devolved administrations. Each administration will receive additional funding to provide this support. [Local authority and Devolved Administrations discretionary fund] of £594 million will be available to support other businesses (such as the supply chain) that are not eligible for the grants but are affected by the restrictions. Applications are to be made direct to local authorities. [Updated: 15th January 2021]

• The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of tens of thousands of small firms receiving payments from business interruption insurance policies, covering losses from the first national lockdown. This could provide some businesses with a lifeline, allowing them to trade beyond the coronavirus crisis. Find out more here. [Updated: 15th January 2021]

• The Chancellor has announced reopening support for hospitality, non-essential retail and leisure venues. £5 billion of Restart Grants will be available for non-essential retailers in England, with up to £6’000 accessible per premises. Hospitality and leisure venues, will be eligible for up to £18’000. Local authorities will distribute the grants. Restart Grants replace the monthly Local Restrictions Support Grants which will end in March. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The Chancellor has announced, that local authorities in England will receive £425 million to distribute to businesses impacted by the pandemic that are not eligible for the Restart Grants – in line with the Additional Restricted Grant scheme already running. The devolved nations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive an extra £794 million in funding through the Barnett formula. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The UK Government has announced that all businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme. Timeline for submission for organisations is 31st March. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The UK Government has announced the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. In June the scheme will continue to pay 80% of employees’ wages, up to £2,500, for the hours they cannot work. In July it will reduce to 70% and employers will be expected to pay 10% towards the hours their staff do not work. Increasing to 20% in August and September. From August 1st the UK Government will pay 60% of wages up to £1,875, with employers picking up the remaining 20%. This 20% rate will be continued through to September. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• • The UK Government has announced an additional £410m fund for arts, culture and heritage industries, taking total cultural funding to £1.87bn. Of this, £300m will be allocated to the Culture Recovery Fund, £90m to National Museums and cultural bodies, £18.8m to culture projects in regional towns and cities, in addition, £77m will be made available for the devolved administration in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• The UK Government announced that the 5% reduced VAT rate will be extended for six months to the 30 September 2021 for hospitality and attractions. Following which, an interim rate of 12.5% for the following six months will be in place before returning to the standard rate in April 2022. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

• • The UK Government has announced that the 100% business rates relief will continue for the first three months of the tax year, through to June. The remaining nine months will still see rates discounted by two thirds up to a value of £2m for closed businesses, and a lower cap for those that have remained open. [Updated: 12th March 2021]

+ Live Streaming

• Online platform TWITCH have created a guide to get started with streaming, helping artists to stay connected with fans as well as explaining how to get paid.

• FAC Advocate, Emma McGann hooked up with MusicTech to provide her 8 pro tips for live streaming.

• Many creators are using Patreon as a way to create income during the crisis.

• See FAC Advocate, Emma McGann’s TED talk, Livestreaming My Life for her story and why she got into live streaming.

• Brooklyn-based writer, Cherie Hu has created and shared a Virtual Music Events Directory which also includes a list of tools which can be used to host virtual events.

• Many artists have already started streaming. Frank Turner used GoFundMe to accept donations in order to support his team and crew through COVID-19.

• FAC Advocate, Emma McGann’s channel on YouNow has lots of ideas and angles for streaming video – check it out for some inspiration.

• Tag us in your live streams, stories and other posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

• Resident Advisor has launched Streamland, a listings hub for virtual events, making it easier to connect fans and streamers around the world – submit your virtual events here. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• FAC Advocate Artist Emma McGann has released video series on Youtube containing five videos with tips and tricks on how to set up a DIY Livestreaming home studio. [Updated: 26th June 2020]

+ Campaigns, Schemes, Overseas, Best Practice & Good News

• We’ve teamed up with Bandcamp to help more of you get set up on the platform to make some money from your music or merch. Their guide for artists is here but you can also contact us for support.

• The MU has launched its campaign make sure no musician is left behind by the Government’s self-employed scheme. It includes a template to write to your MP.

• On 20th March, Bandcamp ran a 24-hour campaign, meaning that more money ($4.3m) made it to artists and independent labels with zero commission.

• PPL UK has announced a Q1 distribution of £87.6m and other measures that it’s taking and considering to support artists.

• UK label, Defected held its first ever virtual festival in response to restrictions, reaching over 10 million fans. It’s now hosting a hosting a virtual residency.

• Beggars Group founder, Martin Mills has released a statement of support and details of measures that the company is taking to support the industry here.

• Soundcloud has announced a series of measures, as put forward by CEO, Kerry Trainor.

• The UK music industry has come together to adopt the #musicbusinessadvice hashtag on social media for any advice that is being shared.

• Organisations including AIM, PRS Foundation, BPI, PRS and PPL supported the British Music Embassy Sessions to host artists that had been set to play at SXSW.

• The German Federal Government announced a €50bn package for its creative and cultural sector. We think this helps to bring short term stability and long-term sustainability.

• Online music magazine, Resident Advisor has launched its SOS campaign with an open letter signed by our General Manager, David Martin, outlining ideas and initiatives, for supporting the electronic scene.

• The music community has launched the #LoveRecordStores initiative to support independent music retailers through the current crisis.

• Independent artist Self Esteem aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor ran the PXSSY PANDEMIQUE digital festival which was closed by our very own Roxanne de Bastion and raised almost £6000 for Women’s Aid.

• The Creative Industries Federation have launched their Pay It Forward campaign with Crowdfunder to help support creative businesses through this time.

• We Are Hear are launching a Fundraiser in conjunction with Roland to support musicians and teams, the FAC is also supporting UK distribution of funds.

• Online music educator MusicGurus have provided a number of courses (including an FAC one!) for free to help keep musicians motivated and supported through COVID-19.

• Iconic instrument makers, Gibson have launched their HomeMade Music on their TV channel to support artists who are affected by restrictions on their ability to tour.

• The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) has put in place a programme for artist advances.

• Iconic guitar manufacturer Fender launched Play Through.Play On to provide access to three months of free lessons to support up half a million people during the pandemic.

• London charity, Music Matters has announced that it is waiving all of its fees (normally £2750) for the 2020/21 cohort of it’s Team Teach instrument teaching courses to help combat the impact that COVID-19 is having on the arts. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• The UK’s Night Time Industries Association has launched is Big Freeze campaign which brings together landlords and tenants with the aim of freezing mortgage and therefore rent payments for a part of the industry, which has been heavily impact by COVID-19. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• Universal Music Group announced its ‘global commitment’ in responding to COVID-19. UMG is offering ‘interest free advances and waived fees to artists, songwriters and independent labels in need’. We’re slightly unsure what this means. UMG has also made an undisclosed financial contribution to the MusiCares fund and agreed to ‘match it’s US employees’ contributions to qualifying charities’. [Updated: 8th April 2020]

• Music Venue Trust has launched its Save Our Venues campaign which aim to raise funds to support the grassroots music venues which have been heavily impact by UK lockdown measures. The FAC is an official partner to this campaign. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• A number of US-based music bodies (ARA, A2IM, MAC, NMPA, NSAI, RIAA and SONA) have launched a website signposting guidance and resources for the American music community impacted by COVID-19. The site aims to help navigate the US government support schemes. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Frank Turner and Independent Venue Week teamed up to present Independent Venue Love where a live show is streamed for fans with their donation going to raise funds to support a specific venue. FT and IVW are inviting other artists to do the same. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Apple have launched their music fund. The $50m fund is available to indie labels who have a direct distribution deal and earn over $10’000 minimum on a quarterly basis via Apple. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• BBC Local Radio has launched the Make a Difference campaign. It acts like a virtual noticeboard and links people in need of help with those who can provide it. To date, the campaign has been contacted by the public 155,952 times. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Manchester’s Off The Record launched Isolation Albums, in association with Help Musicians UK and Record Store Day, the campaign brings together recognised names to nominate their favourite albums that are helping them through the lockdown. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Complete Music Update (CMU) have launched “Lockdown Webinars” for those hoping to learn something whilst in self-isolation. The sessions are available at a reduced price of £20 and are four for the price of three. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Ableton have created a webpage outlining the things that they’re putting in place to support creators during the pandemic. Their measures include free sample packs, free books, a significant discount on their software and extended free trial periods. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Ableton have made their book Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers available to read online for free to give producers some creative tools to consider during lockdown. [Updated: 27th April 2020]

• Jud Friedman GSW (Global songwriters workshops) are offering heavily discounted online song writing workshops for anyone around the globe. The workshops are run by Los Angeles based Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe nominated award-winning billboard no 1 hit songwriter and record producer Jud Friedman. Best known for ‘Run to You’ – Whitney Houston – ‘The Bodyguard’. [Updated: 4th May 2020]

• Disc Manufacturing Services (DMS) have announced a competition with a prize worth £2500 of vinyl pressing and CD production packages. Enter here to be in with a chance to win. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• FAC partner English Folk Expo have collated some of their favourite videos of musicians who have been keeping everyone’s spirits up with concerts from their locked down lives and called it Lockdown Live. If you would like to feature on Lockdown Live, get in touch with EFE. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• Some of the most amazing folk musicians in the world also offer private virtual one-to-one tuition sessions. English Folk Expo have collected these as part of their Tuition & Masterclasses programme. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• Want to learn how to produce music video content at home? Video editor, recording engineer and folk musician, Ian Stephenson explains how you might do this yourself, from home. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• FAC partners, AWAL have teamed up with the United Nations and Zoom. They have launched new Zoom virtual backgrounds as part of their campaign #StopTheSpread. The campaign aims to engage the global music community and spread positive COVID-19 response messages to fans worldwide. Some select AWAL artists have also provided personal messages. Pick your own favourite Zoom background. [Updated: 15th May 2020]

• The Music Producers Guild (MPG) have published reopening guidelines and advice for recording studios as the COVID-91 lockdown eases. The UK Government's full guidelines for working during COVID-19 are available here. [Updated: 22nd May 2020]

• Iconic electronic instrument producer and FAC partner, Roland are offering a free trial period for both the Roland Cloud Service and their Zen Beats platform.[Updated: 5th June 2020]