
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced that £40 million is to be made available for a new Hardship Fund aimed at micro businesses. Embed from Getty Images The new fund targets businesses which have not been able to avail of the existing support schemes and which require financial support due to the impact of […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that a one year MOT temporary exemption certificate (TEC) will be processed automatically from Monday 11 May. Embed from Getty Images This means that owners of all eligible cars, goods vehicles, trailers and motorcycles, will no longer have to book and pay for an MOT appointment in order […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced a free skills programme for small businesses and a free post-graduate certificate in software development for people whose career has been impacted by Covid-19. Embed from Getty Images The Skills Focus programme, available for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, is now offering free upskilling for staff, including […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has said that her Department has been working with the big retailers to facilitate priority delivery slots for those who have been advised to shield by their GPs. Embed from Getty Images Asda, Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have now confirmed they will allocate a proportion of online delivery slots […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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SDLP Council Group Leader Pete Byrne has welcomed the announcement of Executive match-funding for City Deals across Northern Ireland after the party first raised the proposals over five years ago. Councillor Byrne, who sits on Belfast Region City Deal Council Panel, believes the Deal has the potential to transform the economy in Newry, Mourne and […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Business |
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With just days left until the closing date for 2020 Single Applications, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has urged farmers to complete their applications immediately to avoid incurring a financial penalty. Embed from Getty Images The application period for both the Single Application and Environmental Farming Scheme Tranche 4 closes at midnight on 15 […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Community |
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The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are invited for routine vaccinations to be aware that it is more important than ever to take up the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Embed from Getty Images The call came during World Immunisation Week, which highlighted the importance of vaccines in protecting society against […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Economy Minister Diane Dodds has commended Northern Ireland’s further education (FE) colleges for the action they have taken to maintain essential services and support learners during the Covid-19 crisis. All six colleges have rapidly introduced virtual learning so that learners, including apprentices, can continue their studies, and more than three-quarters of learners are now engaging […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Community |
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COVID-19 is affecting all our lives and there is a lot we need to get used to. If you are pregnant or you have just given birth, this can be a particularly worrying time. Embed from Getty Images But as we are all spending much more time in our homes, this can present a […]
May 6 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has welcomed the confirmation provided to the Executive that council workers can apply for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Embed from Getty Images The Minister told Newry Times, “Officials in my Department have been working with Councils, to understand the extent to which councils can manage the COVID-19 situation […]
May 5 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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