Derek McCallan, Chief Executive of NILGA on the evidence submitted to Stormont Finance Committee

Derek McCallon, Chief Executive of NILGA

Reacting to evidence submitted by NILGA to the Stormont Finance Committee detailing the financial fragility and the potential of councils to drive the post-Covid social and economic recovery, NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan, said:

“Like so many, the impact of Covid-19 on our 11 local councils has been severe, but with massive cutbacks in our sector, the public service and community impacts will be worse. Councils are simply unsustainable due to the huge income losses sustained now and forecast for years. The local government sector is operating in an environment which is so dangerous it is preventing some key facilities and services from reopening, one which will also curtail vital partnerships with the rest of government in the long term - just when society needs these most. Despite recent welcome funding injections of nearly £25m from the Department for Communities and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the present system is not sustainable.”

“It is heartening that council colleagues in England can now plan essential services over the next 12 months due to their Local Government Minister stating that there will be “a comprehensive plan to ensure financial sustainability of councils this financial year”. The whole of NI will similarly benefit if a parallel move is made here.”

“Investing properly in our councils, strengthening them as local drivers of essential services and entrepreneurship, will lead to better, faster, social and economic recovery. With proper backing, our 11 councils can lead the rebuilding effort, revitalise our economy, and mitigate against the worst effects of a post coronavirus recession. Understanding that this is an essential building block to a modern democracy simply has to register with the rest of government and not before it is too late.”

“NILGA seeks to fully participate in an urgent remodelling of the public purse here, so that it is locality and community, not institutionally, driven. If councils are treated as an equal partner in NI, we will emerge a much better place. The demands on key council services are totally disproportionate to the resources they receive. The Executive has worked hard to insulate local government from the immediate impact of Covid-19 but, from a long-term perspective, a recalibrated system of government is required to deliver for local communities across Northern Ireland. We cannot lag behind nor ignore the model of investment and co-design so obvious across our neighbouring territories.”

Lisa Bryson, Employment and Immigration, Eversheds Sutherland on launch of Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation

Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment and Immigration, Eversheds Sutherland Belfast

Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment and Immigration, Eversheds Sutherland Belfast has reacted to the announcement that Minister Dodds has launched a Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation for NI:

“The launch of the Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation in Northern Ireland by the Economy Minister Diane Dodds is to be welcomed and is a significant step forward. It would be hoped that following this two month consultation, the Northern Ireland Assembly will move quickly to bring Northern Ireland legislation into line with the rest of Great Britain, ensuring that all bereaved parents have the right to at least 2 weeks’ paid leave from work.”

“It is unfortunate that some employers do not have sufficient compassionate leave measures in place and this proposed legislation will ensure that going forward employees who find themselves in such a terrible situation will have this legal comfort too. Of course many employers throughout Northern Ireland already have a compassionate leave policy in place that would encompass this situation..”

“As this process now moves towards the legislative phase at the Northern Ireland Assembly, it is important that employers who do not currently provide for the right to time off inform themselves of the progress and outcome of this consultation process should such a situation impact one of their employees.”

“This proposed legislative change is really important and I would encourage all those with an interest in this to take part in this consultation.”

2m to 1m social distancing the direction of travel Hospitality Ulster tells NI Executive, but 90 min rule a non-starter says industry body

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster

Reacting to the publication of draft guidelines by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the Republic of Ireland on the reopening of the hospitality industry in the south, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said:

“Reducing social distancing guidelines from 2m to 1m in line with the World Health Organisation is imperative for the hospitality industry in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Without this, most businesses simply will not be able to reopen as it will not be commercially viable. This is not about safe and unsafe, it is about safe and safer, a 1m social distance is recommended by WHO and will save many jobs if implemented. We hope the Executive will now make a similar decision on this for our industry in Northern Ireland along with opening non-food pubs.”

“However the suggestion of a maximum length of stay of 90 minutes and mandatory pre-bookings are a total non-starter for the industry.”

“These requirements would be unviable for many restaurants and pubs right across Northern Ireland particularly those who are dependent on walk-ins. We need to encourage people to visit our hospitality establishments again not make them completely unattractive to customers. It would become a very mechanical thing, almost like a car parking transaction where there is ‘no return within the hour’.”

“We understand the health and safety concerns, but the protection of staff and customers is paramount and as an industry we will be doing everything we possibly can to reduce the spread of the virus. We have industry specific guidance on this ready to publish and we know that we can open in a way which is Covid19 secure, but also attractive to customers.”   

Community Pharmacy NI appalled by and condemn racism experienced by Community Pharmacists

Responding to the interview this morning on the BBC Radio Ulster Nolan Show with a Community Pharmacist who has been racially abused, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said:

“Community Pharmacy NI is utterly appalled that racist abuse is being experienced by pharmacists in Northern Ireland.”

“Community Pharmacists work for their communities, aiding and supporting patients irrespective of race, gender or nationality. We strongly condemn any racist abuse of pharmacists or pharmacy team members and have a zero tolerance approach to any form of abuse of staff. Racial discrimination must be stamped out.”

“We wholeheartedly agree with the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison when she stated that racism has no place in in Northern Ireland and that it must not be directed towards hard working community pharmacists and their teams.”

Filtering out the bad news essential to safeguarding our mental wellbeing

Platform piece by Anne Doherty, Chief Executive, MindWise

We are now in Week 13 of lockdown due to the global pandemic which has turned our world upside down.

Whilst we all share this lockdown experience, many of us will react to it in very different ways. Some people are relishing this enforced slow down, using it as a chance to decompress and take time out from the very busy lives we have become accustomed to. Others will see it as a chance to reconnect with partners and children and spend quality time together.

For many more, this period has been lonely, isolating and at times overwhelming. This does not only apply to people who live alone. Even those living in households with other people can feel increasingly lonely, anxious and feel like they are trapped.

The nature of this pandemic and the way in which we are digitally connected can also exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Our tendency to wake up in the morning, pick up our phone and start scrolling does not help matters and can contribute to growing feelings of panic over the situation we find ourselves in.

Whilst we understand there is a need to keep up to date on what is going on, MindWise have been working with other charities in Northern Ireland, as well as statutory partners to address the detrimental impacts this pandemic is having on our mental health and wellbeing.

A newly launched Covid Wellbeing NI website now offers a range of online resources to help people who may be worried about their mental health, or that of a loved one. Covering issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety, loneliness and bereavement amongst others, this resource aims to empower us all to take charge of our mental wellbeing as much as we can.

At MindWise, we have developed some practical advice on encouraging people to filter out the bad news and take time out from what is going on around them. Our very practical tips include turning off news notifications, following only trusted sources of information, talking to other people about your worries and doing more of the things we enjoy like cooking or going for walks. Eating healthily and getting outside can also help.  

Only time will tell the true impact that this experience has had on us. What we must do now, is try nurturing our own wellbeing by taking some measures that can protect our mental health against the worst impacts of this pandemic. Filtering out the negativity through the news content we consume daily is one such way of doing so.  A very small step like this can make a big difference, but one small step is all it takes.

The Covid Wellbeing NI website is supported by 16 mental health organisations in Northern Ireland and is also supported by the Public Health Agency, Department for Communities and Department of Health.

Anyone looking for advice and support on managing their mental health and wellbeing can visit: https://covidwellbeingni.info/

Londonderry Chamber welcomes Programme for Government in ROI

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

Reacting to the news that the parties have agreed a programme for government in the Republic of Ireland, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“We welcome the announcement that the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens have reached an agreement over the formation of a government in the Republic of Ireland, subject to ratification by their party memberships. At a time of significant upheaval both north and south, it is good news that a new government appears on the horizon. With under six months until the Brexit transition period comes to an end, and no sign of an extension being agreed between the EU and the UK, it is vital that a government is in post to help guide the island of Ireland through key negotiations and defend the interests of businesses and communities. As an organisation which represents businesses who rely heavily on cross-border trade, it is crucial for the North West that Northern Ireland is able to trade seamlessly with the south as well as the rest of the UK.

“It is also very welcome that the document reaffirms its commitment to Northern Ireland and the North West by ensuring the New Decade, New Approach agreement is implemented in full. Cross-border infrastructure projects like the A5, pledging to improve the island’s connectivity, and investing in opportunities for our young people through helping to fund the expansion of Ulster University at Magee are commitments which will significantly boost the North West and our regional economy.

“We look forward to working closely with the Irish Government as we approach 31 December 2020 and hope to see some positive movement on the Irish Government’s commitment to the North West as laid out in New Decade, New Approach in the coming weeks and months.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 15 June 2020

Forward Look

• The NI Executive announced more lockdown relaxations this week. From today, all retail stores and shopping centres can reopen, the housing market will reopen from Monday 15 June, groups of up to 10 people from different households can meet outdoors with social distancing, and “support bubbles” will be permitted to allow people who live alone to stay the night at another household. Lockdown regulations will again be reviewed on Thursday 18 June.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has said she hopes to bring a paper to the Executive at the start of next week on the reopening of the hospitality sector. Hospitality businesses have urged the Executive to reduce social distancing measures from 2 metres to 1 metre to allow them to reopen.

• Special Adviser to First Minister Arlene Foster MLA, Kim Ashton, has resigned from her role after less than three months to take up a role in the private sector. There are currently no plans to replace Ms Ashton, who is also a DUP local councillor on Mid Ulster Council.

• Labour MP for City of Durham Mary Kelly Foy has been appointed to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons. Ms Foy is the daughter of Irish emigrants.

• The NI Assembly has agreed arrangements to ensure key business continues during July and August. MLAs will sit week commencing 6 July and a decision will be made on 7 July on holding further plenary sittings that month. While the Assembly will formally rise for recess in August, the Speaker will remain in frequent contact with the Executive to make the necessary arrangements for additional sittings if required.

• The Department for Communities’ £15.5m Covid-19 Charities Fund will be launched on Monday 15 June.

• Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson is to submit a Private Members’ Bill in the NI Assembly which will strengthen the ability of trade unions to take industrial action and “represent the needs of workers”. The bill aims to remove the restriction on statutory trade union recognition in companies with fewer than 21 employees.

• Government formation talks in the Republic continue. RTÉ News Political Correspondent Mícheál Lehane reported this week that the Dáil will not sit on Thursday next week. Instead, this time will be used to focus on presenting a draft Programme for Government to Fine Gael’s, Fianna Fáil’s and the Greens’ party memberships. However, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has faced calls to resign after using a racial slur in the Dáil on Thursday.

• Education Minister Peter Weir MLA has set a target date of Monday 17 August for some pupils to return to school.  

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA will brief the Assembly’s Economy Committee at 10am on Wednesday 17 June. The Finance Committee will consider a written joint statement from NILGA and SOLACE NI on Wednesday 17 June at 12.30pm.

• Question Time in the Assembly returns next week. Questions to the Executive Office and the DAERA Minister will take place on Tuesday 16 June.

• The Department for the Economy’s NI Micro-business Hardship Fund closes for applications at 6pm this evening.

• The Northern Ireland Local Government Association will hold its AGM on Thursday 18 June.

• The seventh annual BelTech Conference will go online between Monday 22 June and Thursday 25 June this year. Attendance is free but those who would like to attend must register at www.beltech.co

Other Stories this week

• The current R number for Northern Ireland is estimated as being between 0.5 and 0.9. Since Monday, there has only been one death from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Chief Executive Jacqui Dixon has been named SOLACE NI Chair for the 2020/21.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published a strategic framework for rebuilding Northern Ireland’s health and social care service in the wake of the first wave of the pandemic. The five health trusts are to publish plans for tackling waiting lists, providing high-priority cancer services and dealing with other urgent conditions. Please see attached a briefing on the framework.

• The Minister also awarded the Encompass contract to Epic Systems this week. Part of a £300m ICT investment over 10 years, it is a major step towards a fully integrated electronic health and social care record systems.

• A BBC Spotlight investigation has revealed that Health Minister Swann decided not to make public the best-case scenario laid out in pandemic modelling.

• Sinn Féin launched its ‘Economic Strategy: Principles for Recovery’ document this week, which aims “to create a fairer, greener, healthier economy”. Read the document here.  

• Belfast City Councillors rejected a motion to hold virtual meetings and suspend the July holidays this week.  

• Applications to Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges are down by up to 40% in some areas, the colleges told Stormont’s Economy Committee this week.

• The process to appoint a full-time commissioner for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse has opened this week.

• Tony Danker has been announced as the new CBI Director General, replacing Dame Carolyn Fairbairn.

• Figures released this week show that over 200,000 workers in Northern Ireland have been furloughed during the pandemic.

• The economic damage of the coronavirus crisis will hit young workers hardest, an Ulster University study has suggested. It estimates that youth unemployment in NI could jump from 8% to 26% in 2020.

Consultations

• Consultation on Further Education Support and Charging Policy at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) DAERA. Deadline 11 September.

• Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Department for the Economy. TBC.

Further Education Principals welcome move to partially reopen Colleges for assessment

Brian Doran, Principal of Southern Regional College

Principals from the Further Education colleges have welcomed the announcement by the Economy Minister that there will be a partial and targeted reopening of college campuses.

The sector has been calling for an agreed way forward to ensure learners completing work-based qualifications can complete the necessary practical assessments that will enable them to conclude their qualifications in this academic year.

The use of adapted assessments will provide the opportunity for almost 3,000 learners to obtain a qualification outcome and progress to further training or employment.

This form of assessment relates to learners in a number of areas including Construction trades, Automotive studies, Engineering, Barbering, Hospitality, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.

Over the past number of months, intensive work has been undertaken by the FE sector in collaboration with the Department for the Economy and other stakeholders to ensure all necessary measures are put in place to protect the wellbeing of staff and learners, on return to campus.

The Colleges have prepared campuses in line with current Covid-19 guidance and will be bringing students back on site in small groups over the summer months.

Speaking on behalf of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, Brian Doran, Principal of Southern Regional College, said:

“The Further Education colleges are pleased that there is now an agreed way forward for many learners who need to complete onsite assessments. Although teaching and learning has continued remotely and certain learners will benefit from calculated results, not all can.

“We immediately recognised the concerns of many learners who were worried that they would not be able to progress as expected and the potential difficulties in reengaging learners in the new academic year. We hope that this decision will now provide the necessary certainty and reassurance to them on their next steps.

He added:

“Significant work has been undertaken across the college estates to make the necessary preparation for the return of staff and students. We have also completed in-depth risk assessments to allow us to resume safely. It is important to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all our staff for their selfless act in volunteering to come back on campus to provide this opportunity for students. This dedication is what distinguishes our lecturers and technical staff.  

“There is no doubt that this has been a difficult period for everyone, and we thank our learners and their parents and guardians for their co-operation and understanding. Our young people represent the future of the economy and it is only right that we do everything possible to ensure that they are treated fairly. While challenges remain, we look forward to working to ensure all of our students get the qualifications they deserve.”

Re-opening proves light at the end of tunnel, says Chamber chief

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

The re-opening of many smaller retailers tomorrow proves there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for businesses severely impacted by the coronavirus.

Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy has said the Executive’s decision to reopen all non-food retailers from Friday is a very welcome development which will come as a huge relief for many small businesses in the North West.

He has urged the public and returning customers to be patient with shops and retailers as they get to grips with a totally changed shopping experience and urged them to continue to respect social distancing guidelines.

He has also again urged the Executive to provide greater clarity for hospitality businesses and set a date for when bars and restaurants can reopen.

Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“I would like to wish all re-opening businesses the very best of luck as we begin to reboot our regional economy. This has been a very stressful and uncertain time for companies across the North West and it is excellent that they can now look to the future and get back down to business.

“Shops in the city have been responsible and working hard throughout the lockdown to put in place new measures and changes which will protect their customers and staff. Many retailers have invested a great deal of time and money to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure while trading and it is important that customers continue to abide by social distancing guidelines. Everyone has their part to play to make sure that we avoid a potentially catastrophic second wave of the virus, which would decimate already struggling businesses and lead to more lives lost.

“The face of retail and how shops do business has totally changed over the past three months and shoppers will find a new shopping experience. It is important that they understand that queues will be longer and stores will look and feel very different. However, the number one priority of retailers is the welfare and safety of their customers and staff and have taken these measures to protect everyone. By shopping local and staying local, we can support small businesses who have been impacted by the lockdown.”

Mr Clancy added:

“While there is now clear light at the end of the tunnel for our retail sector, more clarity is urgently needed on when we can reopen our hospitality and tourism businesses. The North West has developed a world-class tourism offer over the past few years and every week that goes by with it still locked down is another massive blow to our brilliant local pubs, restaurants, and hotels.  

“The Executive needs to set clear dates to allow hospitality businesses to prepare to reopen and let them know on what terms they can reopen. Proposals like reducing social distancing to 1 metre and allowing bars to extend out onto the street and pavements are worth exploring and could make a serious difference for businesses which have been very harshly hit.”

Stage set for major transatlantic conference

This year’s New York New Belfast conference goes online for the first time ever tomorrow (Friday 12 June) as leaders from both sides of the Atlantic explore how both cities can emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.

Over 400 delegates will log on to engage in a programme of panel discussions, musical and poetry interludes, and video dispatches from leaders in New York and Belfast. This year’s virtual conference will keep links between NI and North America open and thriving as Covid-19 prevents delegates from gathering together.

Panel discussions will focus on how we reboot our tourism industry, financing the rebuilding effort post-pandemic, business experiences of pivoting to serve their communities, and how tech companies can play their part in the recovery.

The conference will also hear a message of hope from Belfast minister Reverend Livingstone Thompson on the fight against racism, prejudice, and injustice.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, US House of Representatives

• Senator Tim Kennedy, New York State Legislature

• Bill Mulrow, Chair of New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board

• Alison Metcalfe, Executive VP, USA and Canada, Tourism Ireland

• Conor Murphy MLA, Finance Minister

• Diane Dodds MLA, Economy Minister

• Tom DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller

• Suzanne Wylie, CEO, Belfast City Council

• Jayne Brady, Belfast Digital & Innovation Commissioner

• Shaun T. Kelly, Vice Chairman, The Ireland Funds America, KPMG Ireland

• Gareth Macklin, Managing Director, OBBI Solutions

Danny Moore of Options will speak at the conference about the pandemic relief effort and the Robin Hood Project which is raising funds for frontline workers. He said:

“We are proud to be involved in this year’s conference which brings a whole new meaning to our transatlantic relationships. Working together and strengthening links across the world is even more important in overcoming our collective and shared challenges.

“Despite being physically isolated from each other during the pandemic, there is so much each city can learn in how we react to and rebuild after this crisis. Businesses of all shapes and sizes – including our own – have reacted swiftly to serve our communities and help people and companies get back on their feet.

“The role of business is also crucial in helping recovery efforts, both by generating prosperity through jobs and investment but also by co-ordinating relief efforts like our Robin Hood Project. Across the world, frontline workers have risked their lives in this pandemic and it is only right that we give back in whatever way we can.”.

Conference organiser Connla McCann, Director of Aisling Events, also said:

“This year’s conference is a unique but exciting situation for everyone involved. While we would usually be preparing to travel to New York City at this stage to be together and celebrate the links between Belfast and the US, we have pivoted and adapted to ensure these connections remain active and vibrant. By sharing our experiences and best practice, both cities can emerge from this crisis stronger.

“This year is also an opportunity for those who have been unable to travel with us to New York in the past to be fully involved and engaged. The conference will provide a much-needed uplift and inspire societal change.”

Gareth Macklin, Managing Director of OBBI Solutions, also said:

"I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished virtual gathering. Since we launched our OBBI platform, we've had interest from all over the world including the United States. Its clear from the feedback, employers are valuing how OBBI allows them to bring their staff back to work safely and effectively with confidence by helping to stay compliant with new rules, training or health screening requirements. We look forward to liaising with the conference attendees and organizers to help as many companies through these difficult times as possible."

The conference is sponsored by NI Bureau, Tourism Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Obbi Solutions, Options, the Irish American Partnership, the Irish Business Organisation of New York, Cboe Hanweck, Forepont Capital Partners and KPMG.

Registration for the conference is free but attendees are encouraged to donate to the conference’s Covid-19 appeals raising funds for healthcare workers: Meitheal in New York and the Robin Hood Project in Belfast.

To register and for full programme information, visit www.aisling-events.com.