Brexit: a summary of things you need to know
"It’s not just about fans in the UK getting to see their favourite band, artist or DJ, it’s about our beloved live music scenes thriving, attracting the best talent, creating income and boosting our renowned and growing live music tourism industry from world famous clubs and arenas to our globally recognised festivals. It’s about giving UK artists the chance to develop their craft by sharing the stage, learning from and collaborating with talent from across the whole world.
The UK joined the European Communities in 1973, just three years after the very first Glastonbury Festival. The world is a different place now, almost 50 years later. Touring wasn’t like it is now and nor was the live circuit. Delays at borders, refused entry, bureaucracy and carnet costs don’t make us global Britain. Narrowing the pool of incoming artists isn’t global Britain. Sucking the lifeblood out of our music industry, a key national asset and economic contributor to our economy isn’t global Britain” David Martin, FAC, full article on NME
From January 1st, the UK is no longer part of the Customs Union or Single Market. The Government has secured a ‘Canada-style’ Free Trade Agreement which will allow UK goods to be sold without tariffs or quotas. There is no specific agreement regarding the movement of artists or musicians. Please use the Brexit checker for more information. The Musician’s Union have also provided a useful flowchart explaining at what artists and performers need to do when travelling to the EU and EEA.
The 'deal' has been critiqued for its lack of details, and we expect ongoing updates. LIVE Touring sub-group (which the FAC sits on) is working closely with Government to understand the full implications of the deal for the live industry. We will share more information when it's available. Below we have pulled together a few important updates you should know about in regards to visas, transportation and touring.
Immigration and visas:
Under the new deal, UK citizens will be able to visit the EU without a visa for up to 90 days (this does not mean there may not be a requirement for a work permit).
As the EU does not have competency over member state immigration systems (and with no specific agreement for touring), artists will be subject to each country's rules. We have enquiries underway regarding how these immigration regulations are practically applied in each member state for outbound mobility from the UK.
We expect to receive more clarity about how this will affect workers in the live music industry in the coming weeks
Inbound immigration: EU artists (and teams) will be coming into the UK through any of the existing three routes that apply to non-visa nationals (i.e. US/Canada, etc). These are: 1) Certificates of Sponsorship (Tier 5) – which can easily be issued by licence holders; 2) Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) – presenting a contract / proof of engagement at the point of entry at the border; 3) Permit Free Festivals.
(Updated: 15.01.2021) New information has been published regarding National Insurance for workers from the UK working in the EEA or Switzerland.
From 1 January 2021, if you’re an employee, self-employed or an employer, where you will pay social security contributions will depend on your circumstances and the country you are going to work in.
You should apply to HMRC for a certificate or document to continue only paying UK National Insurance contributions if you’re working temporarily for up to 2 years in an EU country where the ‘detached worker’ rules apply. This means you will not have to pay social security contributions in the country that you are working in. As it stands, the following countries have already agreed to apply the ‘detached worker’ rules: Austria; Hungary; Portugal; Sweden.
The remaining EU countries have not yet indicated whether or not they wish to apply the ‘detached worker’ rules. You should therefore apply for a certificate or document from HMRC to continue only paying UK National Insurance contributions if you are going to work in these countries before 1 February 2021. More information here.
Transportation and touring:
As anticipated, Europe-wide cabotage will no longer be permitted once the UK has left the EU.
Trucks leaving the UK will be limited to three stops within EU member states before the tractor units would have to return to UK. The trailers could continue if drawn by EU operated tractor units.
Tours originating in Europe will have similar limitations on the number of permissible stops within the UK before the tractor units would have to return to the EU.
These conditions and restrictions apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Checks are being made on the implications for vans and coaches.
The carnet system will apply again in Europe, whilst well established, its reintroduction will add friction and cost to European touring.
Other:
For both business and personal; driving to Europe will require extra documentation – a GB sticker for the vehicle and a ‘green card’ certifying that insurance is in place.
Packages sent from the UK to the EU require a customs declaration.
Government is advising that people travelling to the EU for should take out comprehensive travel insurance, check their mobile phone provider's roaming charges and have at least six months left on their passports.