The first payments were processed late last week, and the money should be in the first successful claimants' accounts from tomorrow.

Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice-President of the Policy & Resources Committee, who is leading the economic support measures on behalf of the Committee, said:

“When these measures were announced, I said that it was critical that the measures agreed needed to be implemented almost immediately, given many businesses are fast running out of time to delay critical decisions on their ongoing trading plans and the future of their workforce. I’m therefore pleased to see that we have been able to start getting this support to business in little over a week since the schemes were announced.

“So far over 2,300 businesses have registered for support and each of these business has now received an application form which many have already returned to us. Over 1,100 forms have been returned so far and the team is working through those at pace.”

Pictured: Deputy Lyndon Trott has been helping set up the financial support systems for businesses. 

Deputy Trott said a "well-equipped team" is working through the hundreds of claims received so far. It could take up to a week to process the majority of them, but some may take longer.

Deputy Trott said: “We are in regular contact with a wide range of businesses and industry representatives to hear feedback and suggestions on the impact of these schemes. We know that many individuals and businesses are anxious about their future and that the support measures in place will give many businesses a little breathing space to enable further planning to take place. The sectors of the economy eligible for support and the scope of the businesses support schemes are under regular review as the situation progresses. In that way we are able to offer meaningful support to businesses in a timely fashion.”

In addition to the Guernsey Coronavirus Payroll Co-Sharing Scheme and the Grant Scheme a range of other support measures are in place for business, including the ability for businesses to request deferment of commercial TRP, and employer contributions. These are being put in place as requested by business.

The States of Guernsey has also finalised a loan guarantee scheme to enable further financial support for Bailiwick businesses. The scheme will be launched today. Businesses that wish to utilise the scheme should talk to their banks directly. The scheme is operated by the clearing banks - Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and RBSI/NatWest, however the Scheme will be open for other banks to join should they wish to.

Businesses are encouraged to email business.support@gov.gg if they require further information.

To find out if you can apply for financial support click HERE. 

Pictured top: Staff at Wheadon House, and others who have been drafted in to help, have been processing claims for financial support.