Extend furlough scheme, Retail NI tells Chancellor

Retail NI has called upon the Chancellor to extend furlough following the HMRC figures which showed a dramatic increase in the scheme by workers to 94,000.

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:

“This increase in the furlough scheme illustrates just how much the lockdown is costing our local economy. On a near daily basis, we hear from members that their business will not survive this pandemic”

“The Chancellor must extend the furlough scheme beyond April if these businesses are to stand any chance of survival”

“The Executive needs to do more and practical measures such as restoring click and collect for small traders and a support package for independent food retailers would go some way in reducing further job losses and business failures”