As a Chamber, we have been asking for the extension of the Furlough Scheme beyond the end of June. Today’s extension by the Chancellor to October is welcome news.
Further information on the updated scheme can be found below.
The publication of the NI Executive’s five-stage plan today is also a welcome step towards the gradual reopening of our economy.
Further information on the five-stage plan is provided below.
I hope you find these updates of value. If you have any queries which you can’t get answered, let us know. If I can, I will cover them in our next update.
You can contact me at:
colm@newrychamber.com
Stay safe.
Colm Shannon,
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
NI EXECUTIVE PUBLISH FIVE-STAGE PLAN
The NI Executive has announced a five-stage plan for easing lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland.
Movement between steps will depend on progress in reducing the transmission of the virus and certain public health criteria being met.
The NI Executive must review the coronavirus regulations every three weeks, with the next due by Thursday 28th May 2020.
The roadmap will be flexible. In making decisions about easing lockdown restrictions, the NI Executive will consider:
- the most up to date scientific evidence;
- the ability of the health service to cope; and
- the wider impacts on our health, society and the economy.
Colm Shannon, CEO of Newry Chamber said:
“I welcome the publication of the roadmap. Businesses need dates to plan effectively for the gradual reopening of their businesses. Subject to certain public health criteria being met, as a business community in the Greater Newry Area, we look forward to the gradual reopening of our economy.”
We will ensure to continue to update local businesses and the local community with further details as soon as we get them.
READ THE SUMMARY DOCUMENT HERE.
THE FURLOUGH SCHEME EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP has today announced that the Furlough Scheme will be extended until the end of October.
He confirmed that employees will continue to receive 80% of their monthly wages up to £2,500.
However, he also said the government will ask companies to “start sharing” the cost of the scheme from August. The Chancellor also said that from August, the scheme would continue for all sectors and regions but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work.
Employers using the scheme will then be able to bring employees back part-time.
Colm Shannon, CEO of Newry Chamber said:
“The extension of the Furlough Scheme is something that Newry Chamber asked for and is very welcome. The scheme has been a lifeline for many businesses and this extension will help them plan for the gradual reopening and support others which will remain closed over the summer.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CLICK HERE.
SRC InnovateUS PROGRAMME
The InnovateUS Programme provides up to 60 hours worth of mentoring for an innovation activity lending to the development of a new product, process or service particularly in response to COVID-19.
If you have less than 50 employees and have an innovative project idea, the SRC can help you.
TO REGISTER FOR A CALL BACK CLICK HERE.
HMRC WEBINARS: COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS
Find out if you can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme or how to make a claim on the Job Retention Scheme by joining one the following live webinars.
WEBINAR: COVID-19 STATUTORY SICK PAY REBATE SCHEME
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim and keeping records.
CHOOSE A DATE AND A TIME HERE.
WEBINAR: JOB RETENTION SCHEME – HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential info that you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
CHOOSE A DATE AND A TIME HERE.
DEADLINE APPROACHING ON GRANT SCHEMES
Businesses should be mindful that Wednesday 20th May 2020 is the DEADLINE for registering for the £10,000 and £25,000 grant schemes.
Eligible businesses that want to register for one of the following grant schemes should note that the deadline for registration is Wednesday 20th May 2020.