LISTEN: 100,000 jobs at risk unless 'new strategy' found to fight Covid19, business leaders warn

By Q Radio News

A hundred thousand jobs couid be lost unless the Executive develops a strategy to protect the economy, whilst stopping the spread of COVID-19.

That's the stark warning from 23 business groups, trade bodies and Chambers of Commerce who have written to the First and Deputy First Ministers. 

Stephen Kelly from Manufacuring NI is calling on politicians to move away from a different strategy compared to the current approach of repeated lockdowns.

In a joint statement, Simon Hamilton, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster and Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI said: “Just over 2 weeks ago, on behalf of our thousands of members and tens of thousands of people they employ, we reached out to the First Minister and deputy First Minister and encouraged them to work closely with industry to find a better balance to protect our community and our economy and save both lives and jobs.  

''We proposed a comprehensive 3 point plan making reasonable, sensible suggestions aimed at improving communication, compliance and compensation-.

''We have noted the positive comments made by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister expressing that they want to develop a different strategy which moves us away from the present approach of repeated lockdowns.  

''However, as of yet, we have had no engagement from the First Minister and deputy First Minister regarding our proposals.''

The group called on the Executive to engage with business and develop an alternative approach.

''Crucially, given the fact that we are now into the third week of four weeks of restrictions, it is absolutely imperative that progress on finding and implementing a new strategy is made immediately. 

''Time is of the essence. We have two weeks until the current lockdown ends.  

''These next two weeks must not be wasted. Business wants to work with our Executive to develop a clear strategy that suppresses the spread of the virus and keeps people in employment ahead of the critical Christmas period.

''We plead with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to stop doing things to us and instead work with us, act jointly and together take the necessary steps to protect both lives and livelihoods”.