Stormont business support scheme to be rolled out across NI

By Q Radio news

A support scheme set up for businesses impacted by enhanced Covid-19 regulations in the Derry City and Strabane council area is to be rolled out across Northern Ireland.

It is understood the scheme agreed by the Executive will double the original payment rates.

From 6pm tomorrow - pubs and restaurants will close for four weeks with the exception of takeaways and deliveries. 

Close contact services such as beauticians, hairdressers and barbers will also have to close - and off licences will have to shut at the earlier time of 8pm.

Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy confirmed that following the additional funding the Executive received of £200 million, he has doubled the payments announced for the Derry and Strabane District Council area.

“Today I am announcing that this will now be rolled out across all 11 council area with applications opening from Monday,” he said.

“This scheme will enable us to make prompt payments to the eligible businesses who apply.”

The smallest businesses will receive £1,600 and the largest will get £3,200 for every two weeks they are closed.

“I know from listening to businesses that there will be many businesses who feel excluded or left behind and who desperately need financial support. I have asked all Executive colleagues to urgently bring forward proposals for the sectors that they have direct responsibility for,” Mr Murphy said, adding he will continue to press the Treasury over “gaps” in the job support scheme.