AQW 3800/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/03/2020
Answered On Date: 27/04/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy what support and advice she will issue to employers and employees in the event of redundancies due to the impact of governments response to COVID-19.

Answer:

I reassure you that I am acutely aware of the situation faced by anyone potentially facing redundancy due to the impact of the Coronavirus. I would encourage all businesses that need to take advantage of the UK-wide job retention scheme introduced by the Chancellor on Friday, which should allow employers to retain their employees on payroll, rather than being laid off or made redundant.

This scheme allows employers to claim a grant of up to 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Staff whose salary is reduced as a result of these changes may also be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit. The UK Government intends for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to run for at least 3 months from 1 March 2020, but will extend the scheme if necessary.

I will, of course, continue to monitor developments, and UK-wide policy announcements emanating from the Treasury and, along with my Executive colleagues, will seek to deliver all measures which assist all our people.