Benefit claims start to drop

Saturday 16 May 2020

The number of households claiming financial support from the States has dropped for the first time since lockdown restrictions were imposed, as more businesses return to work.

There was a significant rise in benefit claims earlier this year, when local companies started to struggle with the economic impact of corona virus.

But, with lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, many workers have been able to get back to their jobs.

"In the early days of approaching lockdown there was a significant rise in household unemployment and benefit claim went up week on week," explained States of Guernsey Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield. "That started to plateau as we move through Phase Two and interestingly, in the last week we've seen, for the first time, those figures starting to drop. That would be an indication that businesses are starting to open up."

Pictured: Paul Whitfield.

However, support schemes are still in place for individuals and businesses in need of financial help.

"It is a balance, but we will keep on these measures until we see a tipping point in trading coming back to a more normalised position," Mr Whitfield added.

Support from the hardship fund is available for those who:

• Have been made redundant
• Are in employment or self-employment but have severely reduced household income
• Are unable to work because they are sick, in self isolation, their place of work is closed or they are caring for a dependent child and unable to work from home

Pictured: The States have spent around £12.3m in business support so far.

Households can access the support by contacting Social Security on 732516 or emailing hardshipfund@gov.gg.

Meanwhile, the States are still offering grants and payroll co-funding for local businesses. The scheme will be moved online in the coming weeks and will be available here, but in the meantime, businesses can call 743803 or email business.support@gov.gg to apply.