Wexford Chamber calls for extension of Covid supports
COUNTY Wexford Chamber wants the Government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme to be extended beyond the initial 12-week period and has also called for the scheme to be reopened to new applicants.
‘ The scheme needs to be reformed so that it serves the needs of employees and avoids further distortion of the labour market’, said Wexford Chamber CEO, Fiona Lewis.
‘Immediate action to ensure those workers who are returning from maternity leave and other forms of caring leave can be included in the scheme. It would be an unfortunate legacy if, during this crisis, we were to create new obstacles to returning to the workplace for those with caring responsibilities,’ she said.
Chamber members are also seeking clarity on the issue of redundancies, and whether the deferral put in place under the Emergency Measures legislation in March will extend beyond the stated period of three months.
‘ This is causing considerable confusion for our members. We urge cabinet to provide an update on this matter immediately,’ said Ms Lewis.
The Chamber CEO said the organisation representing businesspeople in Wexford, Gorey and New Ross has also consistently called for the waiver on commercial rates to be extended beyond the proposed three-month period.
The Chamber’s view is that local authorities should receive central funding to replace the shortfall, so that it reflects the real impact of Covid-19 on business and its ability to return to normal capacity.
‘ This relief must also be offered to all businesses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, as opposed to just those who have closed completely,’ said Ms Lewis. ‘Government could use the criteria of 25% decline in revenue, as set out in the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, to determine eligibility for support.
‘ The last thing the country needs is the introduction of a waiver that is too narrow, and results in businesses opting to stay closed so they can receive support on commercial rates owed,’ she said.