Derry Chamber CEO Paul Clancy says more COVID-19 cooperation is needed to avoid confusion for border businesses

Mr. Clancy made the call after briefing the Stormont Economy Committee on the impact coronavirus was having on local commerce alongside colleagues from the Causeway Coast, Newry and Belfast this morning.

"As a regional economy which is heavily reliant on cross border trade, North West businesses need to see greater co-operation and a more synchronised approach between Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

"It is very confusing and frustrating for businesses which operate on both sides of the border to see one set of advice and a detailed relaxation plan in Donegal, but another set of guidelines and less clarity in Derry. Businesses need to see light at the end of this tunnel, and I am urging the Executive to urgently publish its lockdown relaxation plans," he said.

The Derry business lobby chief also warned against abruptly ending state-support for workers' wages next month.

“We also raised concerns that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for furloughing workers is closing at the end of June. The government must ensure that there is no cliff-edge situation which leaves businesses with no other choice but to lay off their workers.

"For the economy to bounce back, everything must be done to ensure jobs are saved and businesses are kept afloat. Hundreds of local businesses, especially those in sectors like retail, hospitality, and tourism, will need a furloughing scheme of some description extended well beyond June and the summer," he said.

Implementing strict social distancing regimes to ensure workers are safe when the lockdown is lifted was also highlighted as a significant new cost overhead for many emoployers.

“Protecting the health of workers and preventing the further spread of this virus will be the number one priority for companies as we return to normality.

"Firms will need to implement new social distancing measures in the workplace as well as significantly altering their work environments. However, this will come at a substantial cost to small businesses and financial support will be required from the government to ensure health and safety advice is fully adhered to.

"If the government is expecting companies to reopen and get back to work, greater support and clearer guidelines are urgently needed to allow companies to do this safely.”