18/03/2020: UK Music's Acting CEO Tom Kiehl has called again for the Government to support freelancers following the cancellation of the UK's biggest festival due to coronavirus.
In a statement to the PA, Mr Kiehl said: “Glastonbury is the flagship festival for our £5.2 billion UK music industry.
“Its cancellation is a bitter blow and underlines the devastating impact the virus is having on the music industry.
“It's vital that the Government provides support for the many self-employed musicians and all those workers who would otherwise have been involved in this wonderful event.”
Earlier in the week, he called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver “urgent clarity” over the impact of the coronavirus clampdown on music events. The demand followed the Prime Minister’s latest advice on mass gatherings which sparked confusion about exactly what it would mean for concerts and gigs. Read more here.
Last week, Mr Kiehl wrote to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to urge him to put in place a framework of support for the music industry to combat the impact of coronavirus. Read more here.
In a speech on Tuesday the Chancellor announced further measures to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Tom Kiehl said:
“Strong statement from Rishi Sunak outlining “whatever it takes” to support businesses in light of Coronavirus pandemic.
“This includes abolishing business rates for all in leisure & hospitality sectors, such as venues & access to £25k cash grants for rateable values below £51k.”
Read More
+ 300
Back to news