Business

Derry Bank of Ireland closure a 'hammer blow' - McLaughlin

Branch closures a 'hammer blow' to city centres, says Sinéad McLaughlin, following news that Strand Road and half of BoI branches will close

Some companies are fleecing hard-pressed suppliers by forcing them to sell product stocks at cut prices or at a loss, says Sinead McLaughlin

SDLP calls on banks to account to Dept of Economy on how much they are lending to businesses to protect jobs as the virus crisis continues

Small firms renting space have difficulty accessing Business Support Grants - but new system is coming online, says Sinead McLaughlin MLA

Workplaces should be inspected to ensure social distancing is happening and employees are not at unnecessary risk, says Mark H Durkan MLA

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison has advised community pharmacies to open as usual, but observe guidance on social distancing

Latest info on Job Retention Scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

New portal will enable businesses to register bank details in order to receive grant payments into their bank account, says Diane Dodds

While social distancing is impossible in a taxi, taxis could be employed delivering medication and food, says Martina Anderson

Click image for full list of essential businesses that can continue to trade, and a list of non-essential businesses that must close

Good support for businesses but self employed - taxi drivers, sole traders, micro-businesses - have only statutory sick pay, says Eastwood