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The payroll co-funding scheme has been extended again for the worst-hit sectors and businesses, with taxis, travel agents and events companies among those set to remain eligible for support until the end of 2020.
The measures were initially due to come to an end this month.
They will instead continue for an extra three months, albeit with a further reduction of those eligible for support once the island moves into phase 5c of its exit from lockdown strategy.
While no date has been decided to move to Phase 5c, the States have now said it is expected "within the period of this three month extension to States-funded support."
For as long as we remain in Phase 5b, certain sectors and businesses are able to continue applying for either 80% or 100% of the minimum wage for employees, depending on the extent to which the business is impacted.
Those identified as being most in need of support are travel agents, tour operators, event companies, taxis and other sectors and businesses which are "reliant on outbound travel".
“The support we’ve provided so far has been unprecedented and has without question kept many businesses afloat during what has been an incredibly difficult period for those worst affected," said Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice-President of the Policy & Resources Committee, who leads on the financial support measures.
"Since moving into phase 5 and our Bailiwick bubble we have seen many businesses returning to a more secure level of activity, and consequently less have needed our help. But there remain sectors who very much need our continued support and the Policy & Resources Committee has decided to continue with the more targeted approach we have taken in recent months, particularly those businesses impacted by the continued restrictions on travel.
“We are of course keen to ensure that businesses continue to do everything possible to get back onto their feet as quickly as possible. Government-funded support cannot be provided long term so businesses must adapt to the new conditions – as I know many have or are doing – rather than assume financial support from the States will continue. This includes examining all avenues available to them, such as borrowing, to ensure the well-being of their business going forward.”
Pictured top: Taxi firms reliant on airport travel have taken a massive hit in recent months.
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