Urgent action needed on further support for businesses – Aiken

Ulster Unionist leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has called for the Economy Minister to make an urgent announcement on additional support for businesses.

Mr Aiken said:

“It`s more urgent than ever that the business community hears what additional financial support measures are being put in place to help them through the next few weeks. Last week we called for the Economy Minister to establish a secondary scheme to assist those businesses which have been left behind without any form of financial support so far. Regrettably we have heard nothing. That`s not good enough.

“Every day that an announcement is delayed is another day which some businesses can`t afford. It`s ridiculous that the Finance Minister is announcing support schemes yet we have heard nothing firm from the Economy Minister.

“Businesses have been badly let down. Over a week after the Executive decision to introduce more restrictions, too many businesses have no idea what hardship support they will receive.

“We have also heard legitimate concerns about a lack of communication between the Executive and businesses before the change in regulations. This is firmly within the remit of the Department of the Economy. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the lines of communication between the Economy Minister, her officials and the business community. That needs urgently addressed.”

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