AQW 16360/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/03/2021
Answered On Date: 29/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any concerns she has that businesses with limited or no income, and with furloughed employees, may not be able to pay the obliged contributions such as National Insurance and pension contributions and that this could lead to redundancies, particularly to younger workers with fewer years accrued; and (ii) what conversations she has had with the Minister of Finance and HM Treasury regarding this issue.

Answer:

I, along with my fellow Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly members, of course have concerns regarding any circumstance that could lead to potential redundancy scenarios for local workers, regardless of age or experience. That is why the Executive and UK Government have implemented an unprecedented range and volume of financial support packages since March 2020, with the primary aim of preventing businesses from closing and retaining jobs for their employees. My own Department has led in the delivery of more than £40million of financial support to more than 30,000 businesses and individuals, and, along with other Executive Departments, is currently delivering millions of pounds to tens of thousands more. The Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme is a UK Government initiative, administered via HMRC, and despite representations made to the Chancellor on this issue by myself and Executive colleagues, unfortunately, we have been unable to affect the desired changes to this UK wide scheme. My focus now is on the re-opening of the economy as I firmly believe that the best way to support all of our local businesses, and protect employees, is to enable people to commence working and trading, as soon as possible, in line with the Executive roadmap steps and health regulations. My Department’s recently published ‘Economy Recovery Action Plan’ sets out the actions to be taken over the next 12-18 months to support the rebuilding effort. This includes the delivery of a High Street Stimulus Scheme and a Tourism ‘Staycation’ voucher. It is intended that both will provide a financial boost and injection of expenditure into our local villages, towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland during 2021. Looking to the medium term future, and the creation of new job opportunities, the ‘Action Plan’ also includes the development of a flexible skills fund and widening access to apprenticeships by removing the current age cap.