Covid-19 - Update from our Chief Executive 4 June 2020

Furlough Arrangements

I want to bring to your attention the changes the Chancellor has made to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) from June onwards.

The most important thing to note is that the scheme will close to new applicants from the 30 June 2020.  Therefore, the last date to enter the scheme is Wednesday 10 June 2020.

From 1 July 2020 the scheme becomes more flexible for the period up to 31 October 2020. Only staff previously furloughed are eligible during this period.  A full NICVA briefing is available here

Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme

There are several UK government backed loan schemes that are available to charities to assist with cashflow problems.  Interest payments are met by government in the first year and are low to follow, with six years to payback.  More information is available here

People who are shielding

There are over 80,000 people in Northern Ireland that are more vulnerable to the virus and who are shielding or isolating at home more than the general population.

The Patient and Client Council is facilitating engagement with those who have been advised to shield due to the risks of COVID-19, and those who are supporting them.  They want to find out more about the effect of shielding on the shielded and those supporting them.

To access the PCC survey and to make these voices heard go here

It is important that community and voluntary groups promote this to those affected.