Infrastructure Minister quizzed on furloughing Translink staff

Speaking after raising the issue in the Assembly the DUP politician said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has had a devastating impact across all sections of our society, and the measures put in place to mitigate its impact have been truly unprecedented.

"The job retention scheme put in place across the UK has been a major lifeline for many both in the private and public sector.

"The Job Retention Scheme was announced on 23rd March. Transport for London announced plans to furlough staff on 18 April. The Scheme is scheduled to close on 30 June. Whilst late in the day, the savings could run into millions of pounds.

"Given the dire financial warnings from Translink and the reduction in service across the network many will question why the Infrastructure Minister does not appear to have been more pro-active in assessing this option.

"To suggest that one of the reasons it has not been taken forward is because the scheme will close at the end of June does not seem reasonable. That is exactly the same situation faced by every employer making a decision to enter the scheme. There are a number of questions which the Minister needs to answer quickly."

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