By Mary De-Wind
A student who has dreams of being a DJ has joined the uproar against UK chancellor Rishi Sunak’s comments to people in the arts and music industry suggesting they change careers.
In an interview on ITV last month (OCT6), Mr Sunak insinuated that artists or musicians who cannot find work during the pandemic due to government restrictions should find different jobs.
He said: “I can’t pretend that everyone can do exactly the same job that they were doing at the beginning of this crisis.”
Chloe Sherry, a Criminology student at De Montfort University in Leicester, said: “I started learning how to DJ prior to the pandemic and I loved every moment of it.
“I started getting bookings, then the pandemic hit. As a full time student, I used dj-ing as an escapism and a way to express myself.”
Mr Sunak advised businesses and workers to “find ways to adapt and adjust to the new reality.”
The majority of UK venues have adapted their set-ups to the new covid restrictions which allow them to be open for business.
Miss Cherry continued: “I love being a DJ. For someone to tell me to find a different career path is disheartening.
“Yes, Covid-19 has stopped myself and a lot of people from being booked at events, but eventually it will be over, and we’ll be ready for the bookings.
“I understand we have to adapt to how life is right now, and we have to take everything how it is. I just do not feel like it is right for Rishi Sunak to stand there and decide for us.
“Everyone in the industry are still throwing events, but are following the guidelines given. We may not be making enough money compared to last year, but it’s part of life. Part of OUR life.”
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