Dear Chamber Member,

I hope you, your families, friends and colleagues are all well.

On Friday last, Cabinet announced amendments to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. It is welcome and socially critical to see that this further revision to the TWSS scheme will now accommodate the salaries of those who are returning to work after a period of adoptive or maternity leave, as the consequence of their omission would have been damaging to people’s lives and to our reputation as a fair and equal society.

The extended suspension of redundancy provisions will also be welcomed by many employers as the intent of the provisions is not valid during this pause in economic activity.

However it is important that there is further and deeper focus on cashflow support measures with the rates waiver qualification criteria one of the key pieces of this puzzle. Greater clarity also needs to be given to businesses on the extension of supports, as we prepare to progress to Phase II of reopening the economy and society.

As we progress through the phases of reopening, I welcome your thoughts on what challenges are facing your business so that we can build economic resilience for Cork,  Email me <HERE> or 087 9471858 or make contact with any of the team at Cork Chamber.

Take care,