NI council considers plan to furlough 370 staff

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (ANBC) is to consider a plan to furlough more than half its workforce, it has been reported.

By Gemma Murray

Published 14th May 2020, 08:33 BST

Updated 14th May 2020, 08:34 BST

BBC News NI has seen proposals to place 375 of its 670 workers on the government-funded coronavirus scheme.

The plan, which includes full-time and casual employees, will be discussed at a council meeting tonight (Thursday).

Last night a Stormont committee heard local councils were facing a “financial cliff edge”.

Last month, ANBC deferred a decision to cut 46 of 73 jobs, following a backlash as it attempted to balance its budget.

Later, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey confirmed councils could apply to put non-essential workers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The scheme allows employers to temporarily lay off staff while the government pays 80% of their wages during the crisis, and has been extended until October.