Responding to today’s Executive announcements, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said:
“Intensified restrictions will be a real blow to many businesses who have put hard work and precious cash into ensuring that they are Covid-secure.
“The measures will have a knock-on impact not just on hospitality venues and close contact service providers but on the hundreds of local companies in their supply chains. Restrictions are also likely to further suppress demand in other sectors too.
“The support measures implemented must reflect this, providing adequate intervention for all businesses impacted directly and indirectly by the restrictions. We await urgent clarification from the NI Executive as to what new, local support mechanisms will be made available to firms here and urge Ministers to ensure that this support reaches companies without delay.”