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WQ.187/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES
BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2020
Question
Will the Minister advise –
- what support, if any, will be given to businesses that cannot conform to social-distancing guidelines and are therefore unable to open for all staff to return to work safely; and
- whether the Government Co-funded Payroll Scheme will continue indefinitely for these businesses until they are able to reopen as normal?
Answer
- The Government has taken unprecedented steps to support businesses that are unable to trade normally as a result of public health measures such as physical distancing that have been necessary to protect lives and control the outbreak of Covid-19.
Businesses that are unable to conform to physical distancing guidelines are being supported through the Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme, Business Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme and deferrals of GST and Social Security payments. Where a business is of strategic significance, other support is likely to be made available, and businesses that are tenants of a Government-owned property may be able to benefit from rent deferrals or renegotiations where necessary.
Together the measures put in place to support businesses and the economy make available more than £300 million, making this the largest package of emergency Government economic support in the Island's history.
- Work is underway to determine how long the Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme should remain available, but the Scheme is an emergency provision that cannot affordably provide support indefinitely. The Government is considering how best to provide longer-term support to businesses that are most severely impacted by the continuation of physical distancing requirements. The Government is mindful of local businesses' needs through this difficult period and recognises that some business models may need to adapt to respond in the Island's emerging next normal'. Future plans will be developed in partnership with industry groups to help to ensure Jersey's economy is able to make a robust recovery.