Council votes to furlough hundreds of workers due to coronavirus cash crisis

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is to put about half of its 650-strong workorce on furlough.

Staff will receive 80 per cent of their wages under the government scheme.

The decision was taken at a special council meeting on Thursday night.

No income is being generated due to the closure of council facilities, and the impact of Covid-19 is set to cost the local authority millions.

Alderman Mark Cosgrove says it's just not possible to keep paying staff wages...

The exact number of those being furloughed and full details of payments won't be known until later.

Councillors say they want to inform staff first before going public.

 

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