50% of music industry workers report loss of work in the EU following Brexit

Over half of musicians and other music industry workers have said that they are working less in the European Union following Brexit, with over a quarter claiming to have "no work at all" in the bloc.

The survey, conducted by the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), reveals that new regulations and tariffs introduced after the UK left the union have "impaired the viability" of music industry workers to operate in the EU, according to The Guardian.

40% reported that they have lost work as a result of Brexit, while a further 39% say they have been forced to turn work down in the EU — nearly a quarter reported having "no work at all" in Europe since the changes came into place.

Visa fees, touring allowances, work permits and the cost of travel listed as major contributors to loss of work.

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While there is a visa waiver scheme in the Schengen, there is still a 90-day cap on UK citizens visiting the EU in a 180 day period.

“An extra day of travel is required to go in and out of the EU..." a respondent told the survey, as seen by The Guardian. "This means the vehicle has to leave a day early for an EU tour, adding an extra day of van hire, extra day of backline hire, extra day of wages for all crew and extra day of wages for all musicians.”

The ISM asked over 400 respondents about their current ability to work in the EU since January 31, 2020 - the day the UK officially cut ties with Europe - up until April 2023. Those who spoke to the organisation were asked not to include implications on their ability to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The ISM has published a series of recommendations to the UK Government on how it can support the music industry through the lingering Brexit adjustment period — including working with Brussels to create an agreement for artists to travel "in any part of the EU" in a 90-day period.

“Brexit should never have meant that musicians cannot share their talent freely with our closest neighbours," says ISM Chief Executive Deborah Annetts. "This damages our country, our soft power and our precious creative talent pipeline.”"

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter