550 music venues under 'immediate threat of closure'

Jobs are at risk as 550 grassroots music venues face "immediate threat of closure," the Music Venue Trust said. This represents the potential permanent loss of over 5,000 jobs, over 100,000 concerts, over 300,000 performances and over 1 million temporary employment opportunities for gig economy workers.

The trust is trying to raise £1m to respond "directly and dynamically" to every threatened closure and provide emergency financial support.

It says losses for venues, musicians, production and touring crews will be permanent.