Covid-19 financial support measures back reactivated

Covid-19 financial support measures are being reactivated from today to help residents and businesses.

Numerous packages will be available again as the Island enters a 21-day circuit-break lockdown in reponse to recent unexplained Covid-19 cases.

Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan MHK, revealed yesterday both the MERA and Salary Support Scheme are being increased by £30 each per week.

Applications will be invited for the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme (CBSS) from 5pm today, MERA applications from 9am tomorrow (March 4), whilst the Salary Support Scheme for this month will consider applications from March 29 - it's already open for February applications.

The Salary Support Scheme will again be opened to all of those businesses that were able to claim during the original period of lock down from the March 2 to July 19, 2020.

The method of claim remains the same - all applicants are reminded they must be able to demonstrate 25% reduction in turnover.

Meanwhile, MERA will again be available to both employed earners who're made redundant, laid off or put on nil pay by their employer, and self-employed individuals who are prevented from carrying out their work due to the restrictions and who meet the qualifying conditions.

That'll be available initially from March 3-23, anyone unemployed or self-employed who doesn't meet the criteria may be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance.

Elsewhere, the CBSS will support businesses and self-employed persons who have regular business overheads of £250 or more per month and offer a grant payment of £1,500 to eligible applicants who declare they have a 25% or more reduction in turnover.

Any questions people have regarding MERA or Salary Support initiatives can be asked over the phone on 648 125.