British lobbying body UK Music has called on the Government to set up a task-force to help revive the music industry as it battles the coronavirus pandemic. Chair Tom Watson has declared the latest lockdown guidelines from Prime Minister Boris Johnson as lacking “the clarity that the U.K. industry so desperately needs.”
The latest Government proposals detail a three-step plan for easing out of lockdown measures. Cultural and sporting events could be allowed to take place behind closed doors for broadcast at the beginning of June, while the reopening of the hospitality sector, including pubs and restaurants, could happen beginning in July as long as certain tests are met.
UK Music is asking for a proposed date when the industry could consider reviving organized concerts, gigs and festivals. It also wants the range of support packages to be maintained in full while large parts of the industry cannot work, and clear protocols and guidance to ensure record stores and instrument shops can be in the first wave of shops in June to return.
