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Revealed: Number of furloughed workers and its cost in our two council boroughs

Rishi Sunak

A total 45,600 people have been furlough in the two council districts covering Co. Armagh.

Figures released by HMRC today (Thursday) shows 24,300 have been furloughed by their employer in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, while 21,300 have been temporarily put on leave in Newry, Mourne and Down.

In the ABC area, 8,000 Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claims have been made compared to 9,100 in NMD, which equates to a total of £51m up to May 31.

An announcement was made on May 12, that the scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work.

On May 29, the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme. Those eligible to claim the SEISS grant, will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Northern Ireland and across the UK during the crisis. Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

Brandon Lewis, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said: “I welcome the fact that the UK Government has provided a lifeline for many Northern Ireland businesses by providing £198million of vital support through the 69,000 claims made to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and by safeguarding 211,700 jobs via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“The extension of the CJRS until the end of October, and the fact that self-employed people will be able to claim a second SEISS grant in August, is good news for local businesses, reinforcing our commitment to doing all we can to support the Northern Ireland economy.”

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