Menu
04/11/2020
SDLP Leader Slams 'Chaotic' Govt Furlough Response
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has hit out at the government over confusion at the furlough scheme extension.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a guarantee yesterday, 03 November, that the furlough scheme would be extended at the full 80% if any of the devolved administrations implemented further lockdown restrictions needed to control the spread of Covid-19.
A statement from another government minister this morning has suggested this would be a decision for Rishi Sunak.
Mr Eastwood has slammed the mixed messages and called for further clarity on the issue.
"Just who is in charge of this government's chaotic response to this crisis? Businesses in Derry, Belfast and Newry deserve to know that if the Executive applies further restrictions, they will be treated like any business in London or Leicester and will receive the full 80% furlough support.
He added: "Our businesses deserve better than the second class status they've been given by this government that only springs into action when jobs in the South East of England are under threat. Boris Johnson needs to stand by the commitment he gave in the House of Commons to businesses across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales."
(CM)
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a guarantee yesterday, 03 November, that the furlough scheme would be extended at the full 80% if any of the devolved administrations implemented further lockdown restrictions needed to control the spread of Covid-19.
A statement from another government minister this morning has suggested this would be a decision for Rishi Sunak.
Mr Eastwood has slammed the mixed messages and called for further clarity on the issue.
"Just who is in charge of this government's chaotic response to this crisis? Businesses in Derry, Belfast and Newry deserve to know that if the Executive applies further restrictions, they will be treated like any business in London or Leicester and will receive the full 80% furlough support.
He added: "Our businesses deserve better than the second class status they've been given by this government that only springs into action when jobs in the South East of England are under threat. Boris Johnson needs to stand by the commitment he gave in the House of Commons to businesses across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales."
(CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
19 March 2024
Health Minister Opens Newly Renovated Toome Surgery
Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened the newly renovated Toome Surgery in County Antrim, following a £600,000 investment from the Department of Health.
Health Minister Opens Newly Renovated Toome Surgery
Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened the newly renovated Toome Surgery in County Antrim, following a £600,000 investment from the Department of Health.
25 January 2024
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
07 February 2024
Andrew Muir Committed To Delivering As DAERA Minister
Newly appointed Minister Andrew Muir has said he is committed to delivering across the full remit of his Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the good of everyone in Northern Ireland.
Andrew Muir Committed To Delivering As DAERA Minister
Newly appointed Minister Andrew Muir has said he is committed to delivering across the full remit of his Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the good of everyone in Northern Ireland.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
