LISTEN: NI traders 'will not survive' lockdown without further financial support, business leaders warn

By Q Radio News

A number of groups representing businesses in Northern Ireland have come together to demand the extension of rates relief amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. 

Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and the Belfast Chamber issued a joint statement in a bid to save thousands of jobs which they say depend on the payment holiday continuing. 

Most businesses are entering their fifth week of being unable to trade and there are fears that many doors will stay shut when the crisis is over.

Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill says further support is crucial.

Speaking in unison, Retail NI's Glynn Roberts, Belfast Chamber chief executive Simon Hamilton and Mr Neill insisted they all accept the public health emergency is unprecedented as they outlined serious concerns. 

"We all regret the loss of so many loved ones to this horrible virus and stand in admiration at the commitment of health and social care workers who stand on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19," they said.

“What we can all appreciate too is that as well as damaging people’s health, COVID-19 is damaging the health of our economy. 

"Day in and day out, we speak to our members, many of whom have had the doors of their businesses closed for near on a month without any income. 

"We listen as they tell us about the legitimate fears they have for the future of their firms and the livelihoods and wellbeing of their staff.  And we hear how many of them are hurting like never before."

(Glynn Roberts, Retail NI)

The business leaders expressed support for the Stormont Executive as ministers begin discussions on a path back to normality. 

They also expressed gratitude for the help which has been offered to businesses adversely affected by lockdown measures as they made it clear that further assistance will be needed to restart the economy. 

“That’s why we have come together to speak with one voice on behalf of the thousands of businesses we represent and the many more people from every part of our region that they employ to call on the Executive to follow the example of elsewhere and extend the rates holiday beyond the initial three months," they said. 

“Targeted, rolling support is needed now and, given the fact that this crisis is going to leave a lasting legacy, the level and duration of any support needs to last as long as is required. 

"We know the pressures that the public purse is under during this challenging period but, equally, businesses are facing unfathomable difficulties now and will do for some time to come. 

"We would encourage the Executive to do so on the basis of a ‘triage system’ that provides support those businesses in retail, hospitality and other sectors that have been hit the hardest and who need it the most to survive.” 

(Simon Hamilton from the Belfast Chamber)

They pointed to the Scottish Government's plans to extend Small Business Grants to each qualifying property rather than the individual business and are pleading with the devolved administration here to do the same in addition to closing gaps and bringing the scheme into full alignment with the GB scheme.

 “It is no exaggeration to say that many of our members will not survive this crisis unless they receive the further support and that includes a rates holiday reviewed on a rolling basis," the business leaders warned. 

"Lots of businesses will face restrictions and perhaps even closure for some time to come. 

"Even when they are able to trade, it will take some time to get their business going again and get to the position where they would be able to pay a rates bill at all.  We implore the Executive to listen to this plea and act upon it urgently.”