
Health Minister Robin Swann has issued a letter to the childcare sector in relation to Covid-19. The letter clarifies that childcare – both daycare and childminding – will continue in Northern Ireland to meet the needs of parents who are key workers and vulnerable children. Speaking to Newry Times, Health Minister, Robin Swann […]
Mar 23 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called for the self-employed to be given the same income protections as others during the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking to Newry Times, the South Down MP said, “All businesses are coming under huge pressure as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. “The self-employed, those in the gig economy, […]
Mar 23 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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In response to unprecedented pressures caused by the current COVID-19 circumstances on local and national supply chains, Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has taken the important further step of relaxing drivers’ hours rules. The relaxation of drivers’ hours is for the delivery and movement of all important goods that people in our communities, in particular vulnerable […]
Mar 23 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Finance Minister Conor Murphy has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to support all workers impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The text of the letter reads, “I very much welcome the announcement of a scheme to subsidise the payroll costs of businesses. “This has reassured many people that their jobs and […]
Mar 23 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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The UK Government has said it will pay 80% of wages for employees not working, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. Speaking just moments ago at a live Press Conference, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government was taking the ‘unprecedented’ steps to safeguard people from job losses. Chancellor Sunak said that self-assessment income […]

As Northern Ireland prepares for the Covid-19 surge, a concerted push is underway to recruit former health professionals back into the health and social care workforce. The drive covers staff groups across the full range of disciplines and comes alongside initiatives to deploy medical, social work and nursing students. The measures together have the potential […]
Mar 20 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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The Southern Trust has confirmed that cancelled appointments will continue due to coronavirus. Speaking to Newry Times, a Southern Trust spokesperson said, “Health service activity across Northern Ireland is being curtailed as a result of coronavirus. “In the Southern Health Trust, with the exception of, antenatal, anticoagulant and fracture appointments, most hospital outpatient […]

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has approved a reduction in the level of public transport provision as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. From Monday 23 March, Translink Bus Services (Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider) will operate a reduced service timetable and NI Railways will operate a Saturday timetable. Translink is also reducing the service […]
Mar 20 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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SDLP Health Spokesperson Sinead Bradley MLA has welcomed further action taken by the Health Minister to supplement the Health Service and ensure plans are in place to manage a surge in cases of coronavirus. Public Health Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA welcomed news that the testing regime is to be enhanced. Local MLA Sinead […]
Mar 20 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Finance Minister Conor Murphy, Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon have engaged with the Chief Executives of Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry airports. Ministers Murphy, Dodds and Mallon are backing the airports call to the UK Government for an immediate support package for the aviation sector to include; emergency […]
Mar 20 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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