UK Government supports the wages of 19,400 jobs across Derry City and Strabane

Since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the UK Government has supported the wages of 19,400 jobs in Derry City and Strabane. 

The CJRS and SEISS were announced by the Chancellor, and are run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.  

Businesses have furloughed 14,100 jobs in Derry City and Strabane, up to 31 May 2020, since the CJRS was launched on 20 April 2020. This is to help UK employers who have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.  

An announcement was made on 12 May 2020, that the scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work. 

The SEISS was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 5,300 self-employed individuals in Derry City and Strabane who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak and paid grants worth a total of £13,700,000 up to 31 May 2020.  

On 29 May 2020, 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 £6750.  

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.” 

Further guidance on both schemes will be available tomorrow (Friday 12 June 2020) at GOV.UK.