Extra help for businesses being discussed today at Stormont - as owners say new measures will ‘finish us’

Stormont ministers will meet later today to discuss what further financial support can be found for NI businesses affected by new coronavirus restrictions.
By Gemma Murray
Published 15th Oct 2020, 07:56 BST
Updated 15th Oct 2020, 09:16 BST
John Francis Carty Bar owner The Maypole BarJohn Francis Carty Bar owner The Maypole Bar
John Francis Carty Bar owner The Maypole Bar

Business owners are expressed their distress at the latest measures - from tomorrow evening, hospitality firms will only be allowed to offer takeaway and delivery services for four weeks.

Hair and beauty salons have to shut and gyms face additional measures too.

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Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the executive had to find ways of getting support to businesses “very quickly”.

He has already announced additional grants for hospitality businesses in the Derry City and Strabane council area, where extra restrictions have been in force since 5 October.

That scheme opened for applications on Wednesday.

Some businesses will also be able to continue to avail of the UK government’s furlough scheme but that runs out at the end of October.

Many businesses have posted messages to their customers on social media.

Last night one wrote: “MORE UNCERTAINTY FOR THE INDUSTRY

VERY DIFFICULT & SAD TIMES

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THIS GOES OUT TO ALL OUR FELLOW BARS, RESTAURANTS, STAFF & OWNERS

we will have further updates as the day unfolds

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT & KINDNESS

❤️”

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Related topics:UncertaintyConor MurphyRestaurants