Sinn Fein say Economy Minister Diane Dodds needs to urgently address 'funding gaps' or businesses will shut

Francie Molloy, MP, speaking long with Mid Ulster MLAs, Emma Sheerin and Linda Dillon and Council group leader, Cathal Mallaghan, said “the issues have been raised with the Department of the Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA and that time is critical for many firms.”

Mr Molloy said: “The Mid Ulster constituency of East Tyrone and South Derry is made up of small businesses, small manufacturing companies and engineering works that fall outside of the current financial support measures.

"At the same time these businesses have witnessed a collapse in trade, with non-essential work all but stopping.

“With no work coming in they have no source of income to pay their employees. The British

Government had promised to cover salaries up to 80% but is now back tracking with HMRC telling firms that they didn’t need to close and wouldn’t be getting the 80% furlough money.

“The Economy Minister needs to take immediate steps to support these small entrepreneurs to survive this crisis.

"These manufacturing firms are not covered for the packages as things stand therefore cannot get the business grant.

"We are calling on Diane Dodds to immediately liaise with the British Government to address the concerns of hundreds of companies across the north.

“The criteria are too restrictive, if you are in business and your net annual valuation for rates is over £15,000 then you could fail to get support.

"Only those within retail, hospitality or tourism are covered under the higher support package leaving many out in the cold.

“The Minister needs to address these gaps urgently before many companies are left with no other option but to close the doors and shut down their business. It is that serious and that critical.”

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