HU WELCOMES CHANCELLOR FINANCIAL INTERVENTIONS BUT CALLS FOR CLARITY ON ELIGIBILITY

09 October 2020

HU WELCOMES CHANCELLOR FINANCIAL INTERVENTIONS BUT CALLS FOR CLARITY ON ELIGIBILITY

Commenting on the latest proposed financial interventions by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:


“This announcement by the Chancellor today of more support for businesses which are forced to close is to be welcomed and comes after sustained lobbying by Hospitality Ulster. We have made it clear over the last number of weeks that additional restrictions on the hospitality industry without extra financial support and in particular a targeted scheme for protecting thousands of jobs and livelihoods would result in total business failure. We are hopeful that this support will be a cushion for many hospitality businesses. The hospitality sector in the likes of Derry City and Strabane District council area has really been forced to close through prohibitive restrictions, so we must get clarity on what closure means and that it is interpreted as broadly as it can be.”


“While financial support is important, it is crucial that the NI Executive continues to work with the industry to avoid local lockdowns wherever possible. We absolutely recognise the need to get the virus under control once again, but it should be noted that significant investment has been undertaken by the hospitality industry to be Covid-19 secure. Businesses and employees cannot afford another period of limbo and we all have to work together to save lives and livelihoods.”