In the Irish News, Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education College Principals Group writes that "The Further Education Colleges must be central to the economic recovery"

Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education College Principals Group

There is no doubt about it – 2020 has presented challenges none of us ever expected or imagined. Unfortunately, many lives have been lost and many livelihoods have been negatively impacted. However, despite the ongoing challenges and restrictions which are in place, it is important to look forward with hope that better days are ahead.

In recent weeks, positive news about successful vaccines have been encouraging with a potential end to this pandemic finally in sight. While the pandemic will eventually pass – the unfortunate reality is that the economic recovery will be incredibly challenging and could leave a mark on society for many years to come. However, with the proper support and acknowledgement, a unique opportunity exists for the Further Education Colleges to play a crucial role in this recovery not least by providing a skilled workforce.

For many years, the FE sector has been overshadowed. However, due to significant investment by the Department for the Economy in state of the art and innovative facilities the FE sector is in a very strong position moving forward to support communities right across Northern Ireland.

We ultimately owe it to future generations to develop an educational pathway which is fit for purpose. For too long, the importance of technical and professional qualifications has been overlooked and undervalued. Despite this, it is the case that whether it is through a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship, the solid foundation on which our recovery will be built - can be and will be, facilitated by the FE sector.

The task at hand cannot be underestimated. The economic challenges which lie ahead are exceptional and unfortunately a severe global recession is likely in 2021. The fear of unemployment will frighten many and indeed, may have already become a reality. Reskilling the workforce to meet the evolving economic landscape will be challenging but it is the case that regardless of individuals past background or strengths, the FE Colleges are best placed to reskill many in our society.

It is also unfortunately true that those who are poorest in our society have been disproportionately affected and will continue to be so therefore it is important to highlight that across the FE sector in 2018/19, 42.8 per cent of regulated enrolments equating to 50,641 enrolments were from the two most deprived quintiles in Northern Ireland. The economic recovery must include every part of Northern Ireland and again the FE sector will be instrumental in ensuring this.

Collectively, we must focus on building the skills which both the economy and businesses require for the future. Productivity and new skills will become even more important in the near future and employers will be looking for innovative skills to meet the challenges they face. With over 9,000 existing partnerships already established with employers and community organisations, our FE Colleges are at the heart of communities and can respond to the fast pace of change in industry while effectively equipping those it educates for the workplace.  

It is only by working together and in tandem that we can reinvigorate our society and economy in the time ahead. For too long our FE sector has been overshadowed and undervalued, it is now time to bring it out of the shadows once and for all.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 7 December 2020

Forward Look

• BBC News NI reported this week that the first Covid-19 vaccinations could take place from as early as Wednesday 9 December. Care home residents and workers will be the first to receive the vaccine. Patricia Donnelly, the Department of Health’s Covid vaccination lead, informed the Health Committee that mass vaccination will begin by Summer 2021.

• The Executive has agreed that non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms for individual training, churches, hotels, and food-led bars will reopen on Friday 11 December. A hospitality curfew of 11pm will be in place. ‘Wet pubs’ will remain closed.

• Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA reiterated the Executive’s commitment this week to publish a Programme for Government by April 2021.

• On Monday, oral questions to the DAERA and Communities Ministers will take place. On Tuesday, oral questions to the Economy and Education Ministers and the Assembly Commission will take place.

• Further Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill will take place on Monday 7 December. On Tuesday 8 December, the Assembly will debate an Economy Committee motion on the macro economic outlook and how best to rebuild from the pandemic.

• On Wednesday, Education Minister Peter Weir will give evidence to the Education Committee on restart issues and curriculum delivery. The Executive Office Committee will also receive evidence from departmental officials on participation in future EU funding programmes.

• The NI Affairs Select Committee will hear from DAERA Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon and other departmental officials as part of its inquiry into Brexit and the NI Protocol on Wednesday 9 December.

• The UK Government introduced legislation this week which would repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, giving the Prime Minister the power to call a General Election by royal prerogative.

• Three new Private Members’ Bill have been introduced to the Assembly this week. The SDLP is proposing a period poverty bill to ensure free access to sanitary products in schools, colleges and universities; Sinn Féin has introduced a bill which would ban fracking in Northern Ireland; and the Greens have introduced a bill which would ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse receive paid leave.

• The Government is set to reintroduce the Internal Market Bill on Monday. The Finance Bill will also be introduced next week. There is concern from the EU that this bill will contain clauses which breach international law and the NI Protocol.

Other Stories this week

• Former Utility Regulator Chief Executive Jenny Pyper has been appointed the interim Head of the NI Civil Service on an initial eight-month basis.

• The collapse of high street giants Debenhams and the Arcadia Group this week threatens more than 1600 jobs in Northern Ireland.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA announced changes to the Procurement Board this week, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s annual £3bn spent on public procurement is fully maximised.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has announced £66m for Translink to deliver 145 zero and low emission hydrogen buses.

• A range of support measures, delivered by the Victims and Survivors Service, was launched this week to support survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has announced a new £10m Covid support scheme for the newly self-employed.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 9 December, Getting Belfast Brexit Ready Belfast Chamber

• 10 December, Annual General Meeting Derry Chamber

• 16 December, In Camera with the Department of Health NI Chamber of Commerce

Consultations

• Zero Hours Contracts Bill Consultation NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Consultation on the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Consultation on a ban on fracking in Northern Ireland NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• New SEN Regulations Department of Education. Deadline 22 December.

• Public Realm Project Department for Communities. Deadline 22 December.

• Consent to Serious Harm for Sexual Gratification; Not a Defence Department of Justice. Deadline 4 January 2021.

• Establishment of a Regional Care and Justice Campus Departments of Health and Justice. Deadline 15 January 2021.

• Living with Water in Belfast Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 29 January 2021.

• Period Poverty and Free Sanitary Products Bill Consultation NI Assembly. Deadline 29 January 2021.

• Consultation on paid leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse NI Assembly. Deadline 29 January 2021.

• Consultation on the New Substance Use Strategy Department of Health. Deadline 5 February 2021.

Local charity and voluntary leaders recognised as ‘best in class’ at CO3 Leadership Awards

CO3 Chief Executive Nora Smith

Leaders and organisations from across Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector have been recognised for their excellence and success at this year’s CO3 Leadership Awards, delivered in partnership with Ecclesiastical Insurance.

Taking place virtually after they were postponed earlier in the year in March, the awards highlight the talent, innovation and success across Northern Ireland’s charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises.

With entertainment from local comedian Paddy Raff, this year’s awards acknowledged third sector leaders and organisations across 12 different categories as well as recognising Cedar Foundation Deputy CEO Eileen Thomson for her lifetime commitment to the third sector in Northern Ireland.

Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3 said:

“This year’s award winners and nominees prove the strength and excellence which is part and parcel of Northern Ireland’s third sector. This has been the toughest year in living memory for our charities and voluntary organisations, with the pandemic and lockdowns squeezing frontline services and fundraising abilities. The CO3 Leadership Awards are a welcome opportunity to recognise the immense efforts of our charity leaders, volunteers, service providers, and organisations which have truly gone the extra mile this year.

“A brief look at this year’s award winners and nominees illustrates the depth and breadth of talent in our local charity and third sectors, filled with caring and compassionate leaders and teams dedicated to helping some of the most vulnerable in our society. The awards recognise the fantastic work being done across sport, mental health, children and young people, frontline health services, and disability.

“I am incredibly proud of everyone who works in our third sector and I am very pleased that we have been able to gather virtually as a sector to recognise the stellar work that we all do.”

David Lane, Managing Director, Ireland, Ecclesiastical Insurance added:

“These awards are a moment in time when we can recognise the outstanding work in Northern Ireland’s third sector. Seeing that great work celebrated at the CO3 Leadership Awards every year is a high point for Ecclesiastical and one we are delighted to support. As a company which works very closely with hundreds of charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises, we see first-hand the vital and life-changing work they do, day in, day out. Occasions like these, particularly this year, are welcome opportunities to recognise and celebrate this work and I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees.”

Full list of award winners

Inspiring Leader of the Year – Marie Marin (Employers for Childcare)

Leading People – Paul Finnegan (Cruse Bereavement Care)

Trustee of the Year – Jim Collins (Ortus)

Social Entrepreneurial Leader – Nigel Hampton (IncredABLE)

Social Innovation Award – Mark Dennision (IFA)

Leading Organisation Change – Anne Doherty (MindWise)

Leading Forward in Transformation across Health & Social Care – Willie McAllister (Inspire Wellbeing)

Best Newcomer – Tony Silcock (Youth Initiatives NI)

Leading a Smaller Organisation – Joseph Donnelly (TAMHI)

Leading in Equality, Diversity and Ethnicity Award – Justin Kouame (NICRAS)

One to Watch – Lisa McElroy (Extern)

Team Up and Save the Day – IncredABLE team

HMRC set to become a preferential creditor in insolvencies from December - writes Matthew Howse, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

Matthew Howse, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

2020 is not the only thing that is coming to an end. After a period of ranking as an unsecured creditor in the insolvency of a company, HMRC will become a secondary preferential creditor from today.

In moving up the insolvency order of hierarchy, uncapped VAT, PAYE and employee national insurance contributions will now rank as a second tier preferential debt (behind employees), and after fixed charge holders, the expenses of insolvency practitioners, but before floating charge holders, company pension schemes, suppliers, and customers.

It was initially thought that Northern Ireland would be excluded from the proposed reintroduction of Crown Preference, but the 2020 Budget confirmed that these changes are UK-wide. Importantly, the application of the legislation depends on the date on which the insolvency proceeding commences. Neither the date that tax debts were accrued, nor the date of any floating charge, are taken into account.

Businesses have endured an incredibly tough time over recent months and with severe restrictions once again in place, it could be argued that these changes could not be coming at a worse time. With the economic recovery yet to start, these changes could have a significant impact.

Notable changes include that floating charge holders, who provide investment in return for security over non-constant assets such as stock will now be paid after HMRC. This type of lending means that businesses retain flexibility to deal with these assets. It is possible that because of this change of legislation businesses will find it harder to obtain necessary forms of investment due to investors feeling that their money is less secure.

Investment secured by a floating charge has been crucial in rescuing some businesses from financial distress. Some believe that this update could reduce the availability of similar investment and ultimately result in businesses which could have succeeded, being wound up.

Now more so than ever lenders will need to take steps to protect themselves and this change should serve as a reminder to revisit origination and credit procedures aimed at ensuring that as much security value as possible falls subject to an assignment or fixed charge arrangement. By doing this, this would elevate the lender above HMRC in the statutory order of priority wherever possible.

Ultimately any changes to a lender's practices need to be considered carefully in terms of the potential inconvenience and cost to both the lender and their borrowers in implementing these structures and also any associated risk that a lender could be perceived as uncompetitive in the wider market.

If the predictions about a wave of corporate insolvencies coming in the next number of months are correct – the true impact of these changes will be felt most acutely then.

Our prevailing hope is that the ability of insolvency practitioners to rescue companies in distress is not hindered at a time when it is going to be critical for the economic recovery.

Latest figures show drop in new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland, but support charity Positive Life warns of huge trauma trigger caused by Covid impact

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV support charity.

World AIDS Day takes place today, Tuesday 1 December  

Positive Life, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated charity supporting people living with HIV has said that a drop in the new diagnoses here is to be hugely welcomed, but that Covid has caused significant levels of re-traumatisation for many affected by the condition.

The latest statistics for the 2019-year show that there were 52 new HIV diagnoses down from 84 in 2018.  

During 2019, of the 52 new first cases of HIV diagnosed in Northern Ireland, 21 (40%) occurred through MSM (men who have sex with men) transmission, while 27 (52%) occurred through heterosexual transmission. 19 (36%) of the new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

This brings the total of people with HIV in Northern Ireland to around 1,182.

Among the factors contributing to the reduction in new cases are greater levels of HIV awareness through the work of Positive Life, the availability of the PrEP drug, and the fact that advancements in medicine means, for some, that an undetectable viral load equates to HIV being untransmissible.

Despite the welcome news on the latest statistics for the year 2019, the CEO of Positive Life, Jacquie Richardson, said there is real and present concern around Covid and the re-traumatisation of people living with HIV here.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life said:

“We are hugely encouraged to see the drop in levels of new diagnoses here in the latest statistics for the 2019 calendar year. It has been many years in coming so it is important to acknowledge the work that has gone in to reducing numbers.” 

“The massive problem we are now facing is the demand for our services which has, in some months, increased five-fold as people affected by HIV face the real impact of the setback caused by Covid from a trauma perspective.”

“The constant reiteration about the spread of a virus, the global emphasis that has been placed on the race to roll out an effective vaccine and the continuous news coverage has had a significant impact on many living with HIV who have dealt with, and are dealing with, their own particular circumstances.” 

“HIV is still a highly stigmatised issue in Northern Ireland. Even before the Covid pandemic, many service users of Positive Life had felt rejected from society due to their status, with many being unnecessarily reliant on welfare payments unable to find employment; having difficulty in accessing services; and being able to lead fulfilling lives, due to crippling prejudice.”

One Positive Life service user ‘Stephen’ who wished to remain anonymous said:

“For me and many others affected by HIV, this has been a period of massive anxiety. When the Covid outbreak started to take real effect earlier this year, the fear that it struck in me was huge. I had a real sense of helplessness in not knowing the impact of Covid and living with HIV.”

“When the lockdown started to spread during the first aggressive stages of transmission, I didn’t know how I was going to be able to access medication and healthcare services, or even if I could. After learning to live with HIV and taking care of myself for many years, this struck a fear in me that I hadn’t quite prepared for.”

“In March and April, some people were getting shielding letters while others didn’t and that caused great confusion. I know many people were panicking when they didn’t receive letters and it still has not been fully explained.”

“The entire situation brought with it a whole host of triggers for trauma memories, feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and danger. This felt so much worse that the HIV / AIDS pandemic in the 80’s when many of us didn’t think we’d make it. HIV is now a manageable life-long condition, but I’m not exaggerating when I say it set me back some years in terms of my acceptance of my own situation.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 30 November 2020

Forward Look

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced that preparations are underway to begin Northern Ireland’s Covid vaccination programme next month which will run on a phased basis into the new year. Jenny Pyper has been appointed as interim Head of the NI Civil Service and will lead a new Covid Taskforce to improve departmental coordination during the pandemic.

• The First and deputy First Ministers have also announced a temporary relaxation of restrictions for the Christmas period, allowing up to three households to mix between 23 and 27 December.

• The Harbours Bill will have its Second Stage in the Assembly next Tuesday. If passed, the bill will increase the level of grants given to harbours by the Department for Infrastructure for repairs and works.

• On Monday, the First and deputy First Ministers, and the Health Minister will face the Assembly for Question Time. The Infrastructure Minister and Justice Minister will answer questions on Tuesday.

• On Wednesday, the Education Committee will hear a departmental briefing on the consultation for a new Special Educational Needs Framework. Also on Wednesday, the Economy Committee will hear from both the department and Ulster Bank’s Chief Economist Richard Ramsey on the pre-paid voucher scheme.

• On Thursday, the Communities Committee will hear an oral briefing from local pubs and breweries in relation to the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will also give an oral update to the Health Committee on Covid-19 response.

• The NI Affairs Select Committee will hear from HM Revenue and Customs on Wednesday on EU Transition preparation as well as Covid-19 economic support schemes.

• The Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has delivered the Spending Review for 2021/22, allocating an additional £920 million to NI, with £540 million of this for pandemic spending and £380 million for departmental spending. Public sector pay increases have been frozen apart from for those who earn less than £24,000 a year, who will receive an increase of at least £250. The National Living Wage will also increase to £8.91 for those aged 23 and over. Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has criticised the Spending Review for not doing enough to address Covid economic recovery and Brexit uncertainty.

• The latest Office for Budget Responsibility forecast has said that the UK Government will need to find around £27 billion worth of spending cuts or tax rises to put the public finances on a sustainable footing. The OBR has also predicted unemployment to increase by 7.5% by the second quarter of 2021.

• AI Con will take place virtually next Thursday and Friday, hosted by Kainos it will bring together world-leading technology and business leaders to discuss the growing role of AI. For more information and to register for free, click here.

Other Stories this week

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced an additional business support package worth £213 million with extra funding for the hospitality, manufacturing and charity sectors.

• Sinn Féin’s new MLA for West Tyrone, Nichola Brogan has been co-opted to the Assembly.

• Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced former banker and Treasury official Dan Rosenfield as his Chief of Staff. The PM’s new Press Secretary, Allegra Stratton has revealed she will hold televised briefings beginning on 11 January.

• Marks & Spencer has warned that up to 15% of its food product lines could be unavailable to its Northern Ireland shops from 1 January.

• England will enter a period of strict, tiered restrictions from 2 December with around 55 million people banned from visiting other households in the lead up to Christmas. The Irish Government, however, is planning to ease Covid restrictions for close to two weeks across a similar period.

• A new Infrastructure Bank will be established in the north of England next Spring. Working with the private sector, it will finance infrastructure projects across the UK.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 27 November, An audience with Northern Ireland’s Political Leaders – One Year On CBI Northern Ireland

• 30 November, In Discussion with the Bank of England CBI

• 2 December, A conversation with the US Consul General to Belfast, Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau UCL

• 3 December, The Northern Ireland Economic Conference agendaNI

• 16 December, In Camera with the Department of Health NI Chamber of Commerce

Consultations

• Zero Hours Contracts Bill Consultation NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Consultation on the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• New SEN Regulations Department of Education. Deadline 22 December.

• Public Realm Project Department for Communities. Deadline 22 December.

• Consent to Serious Harm for Sexual Gratification; Not a Defence Department of Justice. Deadline 4 January 2021.

• Establishment of a Regional Care and Justice Campus Departments of Health and Justice. Deadline 15 January 2021.

• Living with Water in Belfast Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 29 January 2021.

• Consultation on the New Substance Use Strategy Department of Health. Deadline 5 February 2021.

Hospitality Ulster calls on Executive for clarity on 11th December reopening date for the entire hospitality sector

Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has called on the NI Executive to give the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland definitive clarity about reopening on the 11th December or to make an early decision if it decides to continue with the closure of the sector. 

The plea has been made after one of the Sage scientists, Prof Lucy Yardley told the BBC that homes are riskier than pubs for the spread of Covid-19, stating that “pubs are actually better ventilated and have more regular cleaning every hour going on than we do in our own homes”.

Hospitality Ulster is calling on the NI Executive to take this scientific viewpoint on board and ultimately ensure that clarity is provided to businesses in a timely manner so that they can plan regardless. 

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“It is essential that we get all of the hospitality sector open on 11th December, including our wet, traditional pubs. The current financial support does not recognise that hospitality has been closed longer and when open operates under more severe restrictions than any other business sector.”

“This is an extremely important part of the year for a number of reasons, but even more so this year as business owners fight to save jobs and their businesses and reduce their crippling losses in the very short pre-Christmas trading period if it comes. The hospitality sector has suffered immensely this year and the opportunity to be open and doing what they do best over Christmas would bring both a much needed morale boost and ease some of the financial pressures.”

“Hospitality businesses do not want to be reliant on financial support and would much rather be allowed to reopen safely without unnecessary restrictions in a way that allows them to provide for their families and staff. Analysis by Professor Lucy Yardley, a member of Sage which stated that pubs are a safer environment than private homes should be considered by the NI Executive closely in the coming days.”

“It is also disappointing that hospitality was not included in the Christmas plans agreed by the UK Government and the devolved regions and I would appeal to the NI Executive to reconsider the restrictions on hospitality over the Christmas period. If hospitality is reopened and cannot benefit from the increased bubble limit and have the curfew removed, some businesses won’t even be able to reopen and they must be given an option to remain closed and qualify for financial support.”

“However, if the Executive decides to make the unfortunate call to continue with the lockdown over Christmas period they must make this decision now instead of the eleventh hour. We’ve been in situations in the last few months when decisions have been made way too late which causes huge confusion and additional financial losses within the sector. This simply cannot happen again.”

“On a daily basis we are hearing story after story about just how hard those in the sector are getting it – they are being told to close and then left fighting to be reopened as the grants simply do not cover their losses.”

“Christmas should be a time of hope and we are in the process of writing to the First and Deputy First Minister to make sure that they give us the clarity and hope that we are seeking.”  

Infrastructure Minister addresses virtual local government planning and place-shaping event

Nichola Mallon MLA, Infrastructure Minister

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA addressed the final event in a series of local government place-shaping and infrastructure webinars this morning. Organised by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the webinars focused on getting place-shaping right and how this can have a long-term and positive impact for all our communities.

Through the sessions, the Infrastructure Minister, senior civil servants, academics, key stakeholders, local government representatives and other subject matter experts outlined the potential long-term benefits of ambitious council planning and place shaping policies.

The final session was held today (25th November 2020) and was attended by the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon MLA.

Cllr Martin Kearney, NILGA Office Bearer (Mid Ulster District Council) and Chair of the session today, commented:

“I welcome the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA’s valuable input into today’s final Place Shaping and Infrastructure webinar. For over five years now, councils have been responsible for the delivery of planning and place shaping, one of the most significant responsibilities for all of us in local government. Building the right things in the right places for all our citizens is imperative, but equally important is ensuring we protect our local heritage and environment along the way.

“The Covid pandemic has made us take a fresh look at how we live, work and interact within our communities.  Planning and place shaping in the new norm will affect the lives of everyone, therefore it is essential that we as councillors and councils have strong, efficient and focused planning systems that attract investment, grow our local economies and create vibrant and sustainable local communities that serve everyone.”

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said:

“I want to thank NILGA for inviting me today to virtually share my vision on planning for a green recovery and what a “new normal” might look like in terms of infrastructure. Just as virtual conferences and webinars have become our “new normal,” the past eight months of unprecedented and incredibly challenging times have forced us to be ambitious, innovative, creative and indeed courageous in finding ways to come together.

“In the early days of the pandemic, we were given a glimpse of how things could and can be. Quieter roads, safer roads, cleaner air, more families out walking and cycling. Infrastructure is key to making this a lasting change by taking us to a better place, economically, socially and environmentally. Working together with councils and local communities we can and must create more opportunities for active travel, and safer infrastructure for those who want to walk, wheel and cycle. I believe together we can build a better, greener, healthier, happier future.”

Employees working from home must be vigilant to the dangers presented by Black Friday and Cyber Monday

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

Shopping in the lead up to Christmas this year is going to be very different to any we have experienced before. As a result of the ongoing restrictions and social distancing, employees are less likely to spend time in crowded shops and more likely to take advantage of the deals offered during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Although this will be the most Covid-secure way of shopping this year, it presents other dangers in respect of online fraud. It also has the potential to negatively impact on the productivity of employees and businesses and as such, now is the ideal time to review and remind employees of IT security policies and the appropriate use of company equipment.

Year on year, employers report that there is often a drop in productivity during Cyber Week. In a remote working environment, it can be expected that this will be even more prevalent this year. However, a potential solution to this and an effective way of boosting staff morale could be an employee ‘shopping hour’ to be taken in one go or in several slots on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The reality is that many employees will take this time anyway so you can turn this from a negative into a positive.

Many companies have identified increased security risks and security breaches with employees working from home. Albeit that employees may still be using their company equipment, many in the comfort of their home, will not think twice about clicking on a too good to be true offer. There is obviously now more opportunity to fall victim of fraudulent behaviour however, by taking a few precautions, employees and businesses can avoid this scenario.

Over the last number of weeks, promotional emails appearing in our inboxes have increased and while these may appear legitimate it is important to never click on suspicious links. Often this is an attempt to get attention and trick individuals into clicking on links which carry malicious malware. Ultimately it is always best to go directly to the retailer’s website to verify any offers. 

Another tactic increasingly used by scammers is ‘phishing emails’ which are designed to look like they are sent from a legitimate source, such as a bank or mobile phone provider. All employees should be aware of these and should be reminded to never provide any details which are requested.

Taking simple steps can ultimately make a massive difference in the fight against cyber fraud. A key rule when shopping online is to always make sure that the site is secure, and employees should be reminded to continuously check that they are on an encrypted page. It will often be the case that if the page’s URL does not start with “https” – it is not legitimate.

Furthermore, employees should be reminded to always use authenticated payment methods which provide added protection if things go wrong with purchases. It is also important to remind employees that having strong, secure passwords is essential to keeping online identity and accounts safe from hackers.

These security practices should be followed throughout the year but it is now more essential than ever to put them into practice during the holiday shopping season when cyber criminals are increasing their attempts to steal online credentials and infect business systems with malware. By shopping savvy, the threat posed can be diminished.

Community Pharmacists urge public co-operation as pandemic second lockdown grips Northern Ireland

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene.

The body that represents community pharmacists in Northern Ireland is once again calling on the public to work with local community pharmacies as part of the health service’s response to the second COVID wave.

Community Pharmacy NI says an expanded range of measures and services have been put in place at local community pharmacies to help manage the increased flow of patients and greater demand placed upon the health service because of the pandemic.

The body is also reminding the public to co-operate and be patient with local community pharmacy teams as they are working at maximum capacity to deal with increased numbers of patients needing medicines and advice.

That includes asking the public not to stockpile medicines and to use them wisely so that supplies can be safely managed. In addition, there may be longer waiting times and more social-distancing measures introduced to ensure safety for both staff and patients. Community pharmacists have expanded their range of existing services to include the provision of the flu vaccine for health and social care workers, the Emergency Supply service as well as the return of initiatives like Pharmacy First to treat seasonal illnesses like sore throat and common cold. 

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“Once again, as the virus takes grip, community pharmacies remain open and ready to deal with COVID-19 and work to ensure all our patients are supported with the correct medicines and assured advice they need.

“As with the first wave, we are reaching out to the public, asking them to please be patient and mindful. Our community pharmacy teams are working around the clock to ensure the safe supply of medicines and sound assistance is given to all. Pharmacies have the necessary PPE and measures in place to ensure we can stay open and serve our communities.

“Having come through the first wave the health service has a better understanding of what to expect and pharmacy teams are equipped with the knowledge and know-how to deal with the increasing demand. New initiatives such as the Emergency Supply service, ensures that patients can access an urgent supply of their regular prescription medicine allowing members of our communities to access the healthcare they need at a convenient location and freeing up GP surgeries and Emergency Departments.

“The recent return of the Pharmacy First Winter Ailments service offers patients the opportunity to access a consultation with a highly trained healthcare professional for advice and treatment for common winter conditions. This will relieve some of the winter pressures facing our health colleagues in other settings, allowing them to focus on other aspects associated with COVID and other conditions.”

Mr Greene added:

“We would also remind the public of some safety measures to ensure safety for all. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms – that is a high temperature, persistent new cough, or loss of taste and smell – should not come into a pharmacy and should self-isolate. Please remember to wear a face covering when visiting a community pharmacy.

“At this time, it is hugely important that we all work together to get through this health crisis. The community pharmacy network is working with colleagues in primary care, Health and Social Care Board and the Department to help alleviate pressures in the wider Health and Social Care system. Again, I would ask the public to co-operate and be patient with local community pharmacy teams as they work hard to ensure patients receive the essential medicines and trusted guidance they need.”