The first 100 days of Brexit have been a ‘disaster’ for the music industry

In the 100 days following Britain’s departure from the EU, a survey has found that the government has done little in the way of aiding the music industry, leading to a ‘disasterous’ fallout.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed in March that he would help the industry on its journey to deal with post-Brexit repercussions, a sector worth over £5 billion to the economy. However, no progress has yet been made on the situation.

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According to a study conducted by the Incorporated Society of Musicians, 94% of those working in the industry from musicians, tour operators, and manufacturers have been negatively affected by the post-Brexit deal.

The deal has restricted musicians from touring freely around Europe, where they were previously able to work abroad with no constraints. Now, there are 27 different EU migration systems and visa requirements in place which must be navigated before travel.

The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, claimed last week that negotiations with EU member states on the restrictions to touring musicians have yet to be dealt with. Since then, he stated that artists will be able to tour ‘visa-free’ in 17 of the 27 EU countries, but this has been branded ‘misleading’ by industry affiliates.

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“I can tell you our current analysis is that (in) at least 17 out of the 27 member states some paid touring activities are possible without needing visas or work permits. So that is a much more positive picture than initially appeared to be the case. The next thing we are doing is making sure we effectively communicate that so there is a better understanding of how people can tour anyway in those countries without need for further change,” claimed Dowden.

Over 300 prominent figures in the music industry have signed an open letter asking the government to act on their concerns, following a ‘lack of progress’.

[Via: Financial Times]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter