Council workers can apply for furlough, say ministers

By Peter Moor.

Ministers have confirmed that council workers can apply for the government furlough scheme during the Coronavirus pandemic.

It comes just days after Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said 73 jobs were in jeopardy due to funding pressures due to a reduced income during the health crisis.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has welcomed the confirmation provided to the Executive that council workers can apply for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). 

The Minister said: “Officials in my Department have been working with Councils, to understand the extent to which councils can manage the COVID-19 situation by making use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). 

“As a result of this work and discussions with the Department of Finance, I can confirm that Councils are eligible to apply to furlough staff through the CJRS.  

“My priority has been to ensure that the rights of workers are respected and to protect jobs.    

“This is a very difficult time for everybody.  Our eleven councils provide very important functions and services, continuing to do so during this emergency  and looking ahead, councils need to be ready to play their part in the economic recovery.    

“I am pleased to be able to provide clarity about this issue and most importantly to ensure that council workers jobs are protected.”